A new analysis by comparison portal Verivox has revealed significant disparities in pediatric care across Germany, extending beyond traditionally underserved rural areas. The findings, reported by newspapers of the Funke-Mediengruppe, highlight a concerning imbalance between the number of children and adolescents and the availability of pediatricians in several urban centers.
The data indicates that, on average, approximately 1,270 children and adolescents are served by each pediatrician in cities with populations exceeding 100,000. However, Recklinghausen stands out with a particularly high ratio of 2,752 – a staggering 117 percent above the average and the most extreme figure among Germany’s large cities. Other cities in the Ruhr region, including Hamm (2,312), Oberhausen (2,114) and Gelsenkirchen (2,111), also demonstrate significantly strained resources.
Conversely, Würzburg boasts the most favorable conditions, with only 732 children and adolescents served by each pediatrician – 42 percent less than the national average for large cities. Kaiserslautern (738), Halle an der Saale (759), Rostock (761) and Erlangen (795) also demonstrate comparatively strong pediatric care availability.
Among cities with populations exceeding 400,000, Cologne performs best (1,155 children per pediatrician), followed by Munich (1,178) and Hamburg (1,221). Berlin registers the highest ratio, with 1,363 children relying on each pediatrician.
The figures were compiled using data obtained from the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung’s patient services portal “116117” to identify practicing pediatricians in urban areas, cross-referenced with population data of individuals under the age of 16 from the 2022 census.
Tanja Brunnert, spokesperson for the German Professional Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ), noted that current planning guidelines typically recommend a ratio of one pediatrician for every 1,000 to 1,500 children and adolescents. However, these recommendations are outdated. “The current needs assessment dates back to the early 1970s and does not reflect the significantly altered landscape of pediatric practices – encompassing heightened preventative care, expanded vaccination schedules, evolving health concerns and a shift toward outpatient treatments.
The association warns that when vacancies arise due to retirements or other factors and are not filled, existing practices must absorb the caseload. This, they argue, leads to unsustainable levels of patient volume. The BVKJ advocates for increased resources for existing practices, including enhanced training support similar to that available for general practitioners. They also emphasize the need for improved frameworks to facilitate modern care models.