Westallgäu municipalities form medical cooperative to secure care

Municipalities in the Westallgäu region of Germany are working to establish the Medical Service Center (MVZ) Westallgäu to secure long-term outpatient care amid shortages of general practitioners and the closure of the Rotkreuzklinik Lindenberg.

Mayor Peter Stahl reported that the cooperative is currently in the formation process, with a founding expert opinion being processed by the cooperative association. The cooperative is not yet fully legally capable until it is entered into the cooperative register. Currently, four municipalities—Lindenberg, Heimenkirch, Scheidegg, and Weiler—are members. The Lindau district has expressed intent to join, and municipal councils in Gestratz, Grünenbach, Opfenbach, Oberreute, and Stiefenhofen have also given approval.

Financially, 18 cooperative shares have been subscribed at 5,000 euros each, totaling 90,000 euros. Additional shares are expected from new members later this year, with some municipalities planning to increase their holdings in subsequent years.