This municipal grant will be used to expand and modernize the Lichtenberg GP practice. This was recently decided by the city's administrative committee at the suggestion of Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel on the basis of the city of Salzgitter's funding guidelines, which have been in place since 2022.

Mayor Klingebiel: "The provision of doctors in private practice is not actually a task for the city, but the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Lower Saxony is originally responsible for this. But people turn to members of the council and local councils, and also to me, with their needs. Basic health care, including an adequate supply of doctors in private practice, is extremely important for every individual. Reason enough for us as the city of Salzgitter to provide voluntary support here." After all, the concern expressed by this GP practice three years ago was the reason for the city of Salzgitter's funding guidelines and the provision of budget funds by the council.

First Mayor Stefan Klein, who together with council members Astrid Penke and Ute Skalik had provided the impetus for this GP practice at the time, expressed his relief that it had now been possible to secure the permanent establishment of Dr. Roland Michalski as a GP. "Long-term medical care is essential for the citizens," the three members of the council agreed with the Lord Mayor on site. "That's why the Council and Lord Mayor have jointly decided on the budget funds for the settlements and secured them for the coming years."

Lord Mayor Klingebiel expressed his thanks for the excellent cooperation between politicians, the administration and the GP practice in the realization of this municipal funding.

During a short tour, it became clear that the practice in its current form is too cramped for two doctors. Klingebiel: "The extension, which is to be placed in front of the current practice entrance, will also reorganize work processes and improve the situation for patients. Implementation is planned for next year."

Health department head Dr. Härdrich adds: "The city can provide funding if it enables a new GP practice to be created or a vacant practice to be filled. Funding is available for conversions and extensions, improvements to the digital infrastructure or the procurement of medical equipment. However, this type of funding is also linked to the obligation that the GP practice created or reoccupied in this way must be maintained for at least the next five years."

"Basically, the system needs to be readjusted," says Lord Mayor Klingebiel. "With this voluntary municipal funding, we can only try to stabilize the existing GP system in our city and bridge the gap for the coming years. Everything else must be regulated and decided quickly at state and federal level."

Further funding applications have been submitted for the current year, which will be decided on by the administration shortly.