"Wut im Bauch" - where the doctor shortage in Lower Saxony causes frustration - Rural Germany's doctor crisis leaves thousands of patients stranded

Medical care in rural Germany is under increasing strain as doctor shortages worsen. In Bunde, East Frisia, family physician Holger Plochg now treats around 3,000 patients every three months—five times more than in the past. The crisis deepens as another local GP prepares to retire, leaving Plochg as the town's sole dr from October.

The shortage of physicians in rural areas has forced patients to endure long waits and lengthy journeys for basic care. In Weener, dermatologist Bernd Brinker sees patients travelling up to 80 kilometres for appointments, as local options vanish. The problem extends across Lower Saxony, where hundreds of family and specialist positions remain unfilled, with rural regions suffering the most.

Young doctors often favour cities, drawn by better infrastructure and working conditions. Meanwhile, Plochg has watched medical services decline over years, with demand soaring as colleagues leave or retire. Despite the pressure, he remains dedicated to his role and advocates for rural medicine.

Lower Saxony's government has responded with a ten-point plan, including a rural dr quota and extra medical school places. Plochg proposes expanding medical training to mid-sized cities, hoping to encourage more graduates to work in underserved areas. Currently, Germany offers around 12,000 medical study spots nationwide, but distribution and regional needs remain unaddressed.

Without more drs, rural patients will continue facing delays and long trips for treatment. Lower Saxony's measures aim to ease the crisis, but solutions will take time. For now, physicians like Plochg carry the growing burden alone.