Bopfingen/Ries Region Launches 'IpfMED' Co-op to Secure Family Doctors
The Bopfingen/Ries region is currently well-served by family doctors, with a 94% supply. However, the region faces a challenge as 44% of these family doctors are aged 60 or above and nearing retirement. To tackle this, six municipalities have joined forces to establish 'IpfMED', a cooperative aiming to maintain and enhance medical care.
IpfMED, founded by Bopfingen, Kirchheim am Ries, and Riesbürg, allows flexible membership with both municipalities and family doctors able to acquire shares. County administrator Joachim Bläse hailed this initiative as a significant step for healthcare, though he regretted Neresheim's absence. Bopfingen's mayor Gunter Buhler, however, saw it as a temporary fix, urging the state for a comprehensive solution.
The cooperative's goal is to take over practices or establish medical care centers, creating appealing workplaces for family doctors of all ages. Freelance practices remain a priority, with IpfMED stepping in when they become unsustainable. Each municipality's contribution varies based on population size, ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 euros, with family doctors also paying a share. IpfMED is the fourth such cooperative in the Ostalbkreis district, following MEDWALD, VirnMED, and KocherMED.
Nationally, Baden-Württemberg faces a shortage of almost 1000 family doctor positions, with the trend continuing to rise.
The establishment of IpfMED is a proactive response to the impending retirement of many family doctors in the Bopfingen/Ries region. By creating attractive workplaces and ensuring the sustainability of medical care, the cooperative seeks to secure the future of healthcare in the region. As the state and nation grapple with a rising shortage of family doctors, initiatives like IpfMED may serve as a model for other regions.
