For people living with HIV, there are too few specialized physicians in Schleswig-Holstein, according to the SPD- and FDP-led state parliamentary groups. Currently, only two physicians hold a license under the Quality Assurance Agreement for HIV/AIDS, as outlined in the Health Ministry’s response to a query by Members of Parliament Sophia Schiebe and Birte Pauls (both SPD) and Heiner Garg (FDP).
(“The fact that only two licensed medical practices across all of Schleswig-Holstein offer specialized medical care for individuals with HIV infection or AIDS does not meet the needs of our largely rural state,” criticized SPD health-policy spokeswoman Pauls. “There is obvious need to expand this specialized care.”)
Similarly, Garg, who served as the state’s health minister until 2022, commented. “I expect the state government to work together with the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians to strengthen the specialized care offered in our state.” He added that such steps are absolutely necessary to ensure that people receive treatment in line with established guidelines.
According to the ministry’s reply, the number of new HIV infections this year has fallen to 62 so far. In 2024, there were 123 cases, and in 2023 there were 88. (cw/dpa)
Marcy Ellerton
