A new analysis by comparison portal Verivox highlights growing strain on pediatric care across Germany, extending beyond traditionally underserved rural areas. The report, published by Funke-Mediengruppe, reveals significant regional disparities in the availability of pediatricians.
The data indicates that, on average, 1,270 children and adolescents are served by a single pediatrician in cities with populations exceeding 100,000 residents. Recklinghausen stands out with a particularly high ratio of 2,752, significantly surpassing the average and the highest among German cities of its size. Other cities in the Ruhr region, including Hamm (2,312), Oberhausen (2,114) and Gelsenkirchen (2,111), also demonstrate ratios considerably above the national average.
Conversely, Würzburg offers the most favorable conditions, with a ratio of just 732 children and adolescents per pediatrician, 42 percent below the national average for larger cities. Kaiserslautern (738), Halle an der Saale (759), Rostock (761) and Erlangen (795) also report above-average levels of care.
Among cities with a population of over four million, Cologne performs best (1,155 children per pediatrician), followed by Munich (1,178) and Hamburg (1,221). Berlin exhibits the highest ratio, with 1,363 children served by each pediatrician.
The analysis utilized data from the “116117” patient service portal, managed by the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, to identify the number of practicing pediatricians in major urban centers. Population figures for individuals under the age of 16 were sourced from the 2022 census.
Tanja Brunnert, spokesperson for the Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Physicians (BVKJ), commented that current staffing ratios, typically guiding for a ratio of 1,000 to 1,500 children per pediatrician, are outdated. She cited evolving practices – including increased preventative care, vaccinations and outpatient treatments – as contributing factors to the increased demand on pediatric services.
The BVKJ emphasizes that the loss of positions due to retirements, coupled with an inability to consistently fill those vacancies, necessitates a redistribution of patient loads, leading to unsustainable levels of care in some areas. The association is advocating for improved support for existing practices, including expanded postgraduate training opportunities similar to those available for general practitioners, as well as fostering a more conducive environment for innovative care models.
