Thüringen Increases Financial Support to Secure Rural Healthcare Practice Successors

Thüringen has provided over 1.2 million euros in financial assistance this year to support the establishment and succession of medical practices and pharmacies in its rural areas. This funding has benefited 26 doctors, 9 dentists, and 1 pharmacist, with grants reaching up to 45,000 euros. An additional 375,000 euros have already been approved for new medical practices in smaller municipalities in 2026.

The initiative aims to ensure healthcare availability in small towns, especially amid a current shortage of about 110 general practitioner positions and 5 pediatrician vacancies across the state. There are also gaps in specialties such as ophthalmology and neurology. Additionally, succession for dental practices has become more challenging, reversing a previous oversupply in some regions.

So far this year, 42 healthcare professionals applied for state subsidies, though three applications were rejected due to regional sufficiency or premature establishment of practices. Starting next year, the maximum funding per healthcare professional will increase to 50,000 euros. Eligibility criteria will expand to include first-degree relatives, such as children inheriting practices, pending final approvals from the finance ministry and the state's audit office.

This program originated under the red-red-green government and reflects Thüringen's commitment to addressing rural healthcare shortages by incentivizing practice takeovers and new establishments in under-served areas.