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Brandenburg’s Doctor Shortage Leaves Residents Stranded for Care

One dermatologist for 120,000 people. Emergency refusals. A healthcare system on the brink—why Brandenburg’s doctor crisis demands urgent action now.

In this image we can see hand of a person with saline tube with needle. Also there are plasters.
In this image we can see hand of a person with saline tube with needle. Also there are plasters.

Brandenburg’s Doctor Shortage Leaves Residents Stranded for Care

Brandenburg's doctor shortage has been a persistent issue, with politicians struggling to address it effectively. The state's medical associations have repeatedly raised alarms about the worsening crisis. The scarcity of doctors in Brandenburg has been a long-standing problem, paralleling the teacher shortage. In 2019, a single dermatologist served an area of 120,000 residents, far below the recommended ratio of 1 dermatologist per 30,000 people. This shortage has led to difficulties for residents seeking medical care. In 2005, 16 overburdened general practitioners in Cottbus refused to treat a nursing home resident, requiring emergency intervention. Residents in Lusatia face similar challenges, with some traveling to Berlin for treatment due to the lack of family doctors in their area. Brandenburg's doctor shortage continues to impact residents' access to healthcare. Despite repeated warnings and long-standing awareness of the issue, politicians have yet to implement effective solutions. The state needs urgent action to address this critical problem.

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