Consultation by the Commission on the draft directive safeguarding workers from potential harm due to chemical exposure.
In the city of Worms, Germany, a growing shortage of general practitioners (GPs) has left at least 7,500 residents without a primary healthcare provider or under-served. To address this issue, the city council has decided to investigate the feasibility of establishing another Medical Care Center (MVZ).
The demand from doctors for such a care center is reportedly greater than the available positions, a testament to the need for additional medical facilities in the area. The city administration is currently seeking a project manager to oversee the planning and development of the new MVZ, though the name of the project manager has yet to be announced.
The proposed MVZ, like the one recently opened in Monsheim, is designed to meet the preferences of doctors who prefer employment. The Verbandsgemeinde Monsheim's MVZ, which opened ten months ago, has reported mostly positive experiences. Jörg Petry, managing director of the MVZ in Monsheim, mentioned that they had previously struggled to attract GPs but can now fulfill their wishes with the care center.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of private ownership on the quality of medical care. Petry, for instance, believes that private ownership could compromise medical care due to profit-making motivations. On the other hand, unspecified sources argue that municipal ownership ensures medical quality.
The retirement of a significant number of GPs in Worms also presents a challenge. Currently, 40% of the GPs in Worms are over 60 years old, and 14% are over 70, potentially indicating a forthcoming retirement wave.
Despite these challenges, the city is optimistic about the potential benefits of the MVZ. Important operations might no longer be offered in a privately-owned MVZ due to financial considerations, but municipal ownership would ensure medical quality, according to unspecified sources.
Each GP in Worms currently cares for approximately 1,500 people, highlighting the importance of addressing the GP shortage to maintain adequate healthcare for all residents. The city council's decision to investigate the feasibility of another MVZ is a step towards addressing this issue and ensuring that all residents have access to quality medical care.
