Decline Overtaking Medical Assistance in Marzahn-Hellersdorf
In the heart of Hellersdorf, the vacant 'House of Health' continues to be a topic of discussion, as the district grapples with a growing population and a shortage of healthcare professionals.
The building, situated near the Kienberg U-Bahn station, once served as a polyclinic with various specialists, physiotherapy, and a health center. However, it has been empty since 2014 due to significant fire protection defects.
The number of residents in the district has increased by almost 22,000 between 2020 and 2024, while the number of general practitioners has remained almost the same. This discrepancy has led to a supply of general practitioners, gynecologists, and dermatologists in the district falling below 83%.
Left politician Kristian Ronneburg wants to address this issue by using the 'House of Health' as a health facility. He advocates for the building to remain in municipal hands, citing the demand for space and the availability of state-owned properties. However, the current owner of the building is not explicitly named, and there is no available information indicating any plans by the owner to renovate or reopen the building.
The district office is negotiating with private investors for potential usage of the 'House of Health.' No talks have been finalized, but some, including Kristian Ronneburg, see such a move as a potential 'backdoor privatization.'
The renovation of the 'House of Health' is a costly affair. A comprehensive renovation estimated at 26.5 million euros in 2018 would now cost over 30 million euros due to price increases. The district cannot cover the renovation cost from its own budget, making an in-house renovation impossible.
Health Senator Gordon Lemm attributes the undersupply of doctors to several factors, including the geographical advantage of inner-city districts, regions with a higher proportion of private patients, and the general shortage of skilled workers. He sees a small reason for optimism that the rental market could affect the supply of doctors in the city center, making practices there no longer economically viable.
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. The future of the 'House of Health' has been discussed multiple times, including as a potential location for a district court, but these plans were canceled. Kristian Ronneburg proposes the building as a solution for the current issues that the market cannot solve, and the district office considers the location ideal for the creation of a health site due to its good infrastructure and central location.
As the district continues to grow and the demand for healthcare services increases, the 'House of Health' remains a crucial piece in the puzzle. Whether it will be renovated and reopened as a health facility, or continue to stand vacant, remains to be seen.
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