Expert Discussion on the Health and Long-Term Care Sector in Jena

Last Wednesday, the City of Jena and the Jena Economic Development Agency jointly hosted a panel discussion. The topic was how to attract, integrate, and retain international professionals in the health and long-term care sectors, and what framework conditions are necessary to achieve this.  

Participants included approximately 30 representatives from outpatient and inpatient care providers—such as the DRK-Kreisverband Jena-Eisenberg-Stadtroda e. V.—as well as educational and continuing education institutions like the Euro-Akademie Jena, the University Hospital, and the city administration. The event was moderated by the Center for Intercultural Engagement of the AWO’s Regional Association of Central-West Thuringia e.V.

It became clear that the quality and quantity of services and structures in the care and health sector can now only be maintained with the help of international skilled workers. 

Kathleen Lützkendorf, Director of Social Affairs, Health, Immigration, and Climate, emphasized: “The response to our invitation shows that there is a great need for networking and support on this issue. Challenges include the credential recognition process, finding affordable housing, and establishing connections with local communities and urban society. However, many levers for change lie at the state level: We will seek dialogue there while simultaneously exhausting all local support options.”

Wilfried Röpke, Managing Director of the Jena Economic Development Agency, adds: “The health and long-term care sector is of great importance to Jena, both as an employer and for providing care to people locally and throughout the region. Many facilities are already facing the challenge of filling open positions. International skilled workers are therefore a key component in ensuring long-term health and long-term care services. For this to succeed, companies, facilities, and the city must work together to create favorable conditions for arriving, working, and staying.”

In their closing remarks, Kathleen Lützkendorf and Wilfried Röpke announced to the participants that the expert discussion—in this or a similar format—will continue.