New MVZ for children in Backnang: supply secured!

New MVZ for children in Backnang: supply secured!

A medical care center (MVZ) for pediatric and adolescent medicine will open in Backnang on October 1, 2025. This is the district's response to the threatened loss of an important pediatric practice after pediatrician Sabina Delic-Bikic will close her practice at the end of June. The closure was just one of several challenges threatening pediatric care in the region. The district and the Rems-Murr Clinics have decided to address these challenges and set up an MVZ to ensure long-term medical care for children. Stuttgarter Nachrichten reports that this is not just a replacement, but that MVZ is intended as an innovative model with perspective.

The district made intensive efforts to find a successor to the practice, but found that despite all efforts, no suitable specialist could be found. The only applicant dropped out at short notice, which further aggravated the situation. In order to preserve the doctor's offices in the Backnang area, the district has offered a signing bonus and is trying to minimize entrepreneurial risks for doctors through permanent employment in the MVZ. The creation of an MVZ could offer key advantages here, including the possibility of part-time work and secure employment, which could make it easier for potential candidates to work here. [BKZ].

Challenges in rural regions

Although the Rems-Murr district is oversupplied with pediatricians on paper, the situation is actually more complex. Of the 30 pediatric offices in the entire district, only two are in Backnang, while most of the practices are located in the Remstal. This distribution has led many families in Backnang to worry that future cuts could significantly impact pediatric care. Mayor Maximilian Friedrich warns of the noticeable consequences for young families if the existing infrastructure is further weakened.

In rural areas, medical care presents a particular challenge. Access to specialized doctors is often limited and the population has to travel long distances to reach medical services. Studies show that rural regions overall have fewer health care facilities than urban centers. Increasing demands on medical care due to an aging population are further exacerbating the situation. Federal Agency for Civic Education describes that innovative approaches and cooperation are necessary to close the existing gaps in care.

The introduction of telemedicine, mobile service providers and virtual medical care centers could be a way to improve existing care in rural areas. In order to ensure high-quality health care in the long term, the integration of medical services into public services is of great importance. The challenges are diverse and require innovative and flexible solutions to meet the needs of the population and guarantee comprehensive care.