Baden-Württemberg Faces Backlash Over Planned Closure of 18 Emergency Clinics

Local leaders and political parties urge a halt to the closures, citing risks to healthcare access and patient safety.

The Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Baden-Württemberg (KVBW) plans to close 18 emergency clinics starting in April 2025 due to a shortage of doctors.
Local governments, represented by the Städtetag, have formally requested Health Minister Manne Lucha to intervene and halt the closures, warning of potential healthcare gaps and increased strain on hospitals.
Critics argue the closures could disproportionately impact rural areas, where access to emergency care is already limited, and undermine public trust in government institutions.
Health Minister Lucha has rejected calls to suspend the reform, emphasizing prior consultations and upcoming discussions with affected municipalities on December 19 in Stuttgart.
Opposition parties, including the FDP and SPD, support delaying the closures, with the SPD highlighting the submission of 20,000 citizen signatures opposing the plan.