German Medical Association defends use of foreign doctors

Klaus Reinhardt, President of the German Medical Association, has warned against the political exploitation of the growing shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas. Speaking to the Funke media group, Reinhardt emphasized that patients and medical professionals deserve practical solutions rather than political rhetoric that exacerbates the situation.

The comments come as the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party uses the physician shortage as a central theme in its campaign for upcoming regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The AfD has criticized the reliance on foreign doctors, citing language barriers, cultural differences, and doubts regarding the validity of international medical qualifications.

In response, Reinhardt stated that foreign doctors are currently indispensable to the German healthcare system, serving in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and outpatient care. He noted that many highly qualified international physicians hold leadership positions within German medical institutions. While acknowledging the need for more medical school placements, Reinhardt argued that Germany must also continue to facilitate opportunities for qualified doctors from abroad.