Country Paid One Million Euro Grant for Practice Successor - Country Paid One Million Euro Grant for Practice Successor
Thuringia has allocated over €1.2 million to attract doctors, dentists, and pharmacists to rural areas. The funding aims to fill critical shortages, with around 110 vacant general practitioner roles and gaps in paediatrics, ophthalmology, and neurology. In 2025, the scheme helped 26 physicians, nine dentists, and one pharmacist set up or take over practices in underserved communities.
The settlement incentive program, introduced by the CDU-led coalition under Health Minister Nina Warken, offers grants of up to €45,000 per practitioner. These amounts depend on the profession and the size of the community where the practice or pharmacy will operate. The goal is to ensure long-term healthcare access in small towns and villages.
For 2026, the maximum grant will rise to €50,000. The program will also expand eligibility to include close relatives of healthcare professionals looking to take over a family business. An additional €375,000 has already been approved to encourage more practitioners to establish themselves in rural areas. The funding aligns with broader reforms, such as the Apothekenreform (ApoVWG), which includes subsidies for partial emergency services in rural pharmacies. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure outside urban centres.
The initiative has already supported dozens of practitioners in 2025, with further funding secured for 2026. Adjustments to eligibility and increased grant amounts aim to address persistent shortages. The program’s success will determine whether rural communities in Thuringia maintain reliable access to medical services.
