Federal Register: Doctor Density Low in Westphalia-Lippe Region - Urban vs. rural healthcare divide deepens in North Rhine-Westphalia
The number of doctors and psychotherapists varies sharply across North Rhine-Westphalia's regions. University cities like Bonn and Münster boast some of the highest physician densities in Germany. Meanwhile, rural areas such as Westphalia-Lippe face shortages, with fewer practitioners and an ageing medical workforce.
North Rhine has 245 office-based physicians and psychotherapists per 100,000 residents, placing it fourth nationwide. The region also maintains 66 general practitioners (GPs) per 100,000 people, with around 13 percent of its practitioners aged over 65. Nearby, Bonn stands out with 353 physicians and psychotherapists per 100,000—ranking third in Germany—while Münster follows closely in fifth place, with just over 350.
Since 2020, both cities have seen improvements in doctor-patient ratios. Bonn's physician density rose from roughly 430 to 450 per 100,000, and Münster's climbed from about 480 to 500. This growth stems from stable or slightly increasing doctor numbers alongside moderate population increases. The presence of major medical faculties—University of Bonn and University of Münster—plays a key role, attracting students, research funding, and large hospitals like Bonn University Hospital and Münster University Hospital. In contrast, Westphalia-Lippe struggles with just 208 physicians and psychotherapists per 100,000 residents, the second-lowest rate in Germany. The region also has the country's fewest GPs, at 61 per 100,000, with nearly 20 percent of practitioners over 65—higher than North Rhine's 17 percent.
The gap between urban and rural healthcare access remains stark. University cities benefit from high physician densities, while regions like Westphalia-Lippe contend with shortages and an older medical workforce. These differences shape patient care and workforce planning across North Rhine-Westphalia.
