Baden-Württemberg Faces Backlash Over Notfallpraxis Closures

Minister Peter Hauk criticizes plans to reduce emergency clinics, citing risks to rural healthcare.

The Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Baden-Württemberg (KVBW) plans to close 17 more Notfallpraxen, following the closure of eight earlier this year.
Minister Peter Hauk argues these closures will disproportionately affect rural areas, worsening healthcare access.
Critics fear that reduced access to Notfallpraxen will lead to overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms.
The KVBW aims to ensure 95% of the population can reach a Notfallpraxis within 30 minutes, with a maximum of 45 minutes for others.
The restructuring follows a court ruling affecting the use of non-licensed 'pool doctors' in emergency services.