Health care - MV will cover comprehensive maternity care despite population decline
The significant birth decline in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has consequences for maternity care and pediatric care. It is essential to adapt to demographic developments and geographical conditions from the perspective of patients and patientesses, stated Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) in Schwerin during the presentation of first reform goals for the state.
Reform goals: More ambulatory services and telemedicine
What matters most is to think about healthcare offerings from the perspective of patients and patientesses. Therefore, rigid sector boundaries should no longer be maintained. Drese advocated for the creation of medical centers where various services can be accessed. Hospitals should offer more ambulatory services, and specialists such as pediatricians should hold regular consultations in general practitioner offices. Telemedicine will assume greater importance in the future, as emphasized by Drese in reference to the reform guidelines recently presented by a health commission. No statements are made in these guidelines regarding the future number of maternity clinics or the size of catchment areas.
Birth decline in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
According to the Statistics Office, approximately 10,000 babies were born in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in 2023, compared to 12,500 in 2013 and 23,500 in 1990. According to Drese's statements, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern had 1.4 children per woman in 2022, the third-lowest birth rate among all federal states. Additionally, the number of women of childbearing age is decreasing. In response to this, the already closed maternity care at the Ludwigslust-Parchim district hospital in Crivitz (Landkreis Ludwigslust-Parchim) was recently removed from the state hospital plan of the state.
- Stefanie Drese, the Health Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, highlights the impact of the significant birth decline on maternity and pediatric care, urging adaptations considering patients' perspectives.
- In Schwerin, Drese (SPD) presents reform goals, emphasizing the need for more ambulatory services and telemedicine, advocating for medical centers that offer comprehensive services.
- The birth rate in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has seen a drastic decline, with 10,000 births in 2023 compared to 12,500 in 2013 and 23,500 in 1990, affecting the state's demographics and women of childbearing age.
- Drese's reform guidelines suggest the development of medical centers, promoting hospitals offering ambulatory services and pediatricians providing consultations in general practitioner offices, advancing telemedicine.
- Families in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern may be affected by the birth decline and consequent changes in healthcare provision, which could potentially impact local maternity services, such as the recent removal of the Ludwigslust-Parchim district hospital's maternity care from the state hospital plan.
