The European Union faces a growing challenge in its healthcare sector: an aging medical workforce. With physicians playing a critical role in maintaining public health, understanding the dynamics of this essential profession is vital for addressing future healthcare needs. This report examines key trends in the EU’s medical workforce, focusing on the distribution, age demographics, and challenges posed by the shifting ratios of general practitioners (GPs) to the population.
General Practitioners : Distribution Across the EU
In 2022, the European Union reported approximately 1.83 million practicing physicians, of which over 481,000 were general practitioners (GPs). GPs are crucial to healthcare systems, offering comprehensive care that addresses a wide range of health issues without specializing in any specific field or condition.
Among EU nations, the Netherlands led with the highest ratio of practicing GPs—183.4 per 100,000 residents—followed by Ireland (174.1), Austria (146.1), and Cyprus (137.7). Portugal reported an even higher figure of 304.3 GPs per 100,000 people, but this included all physicians licensed to practice, not just those actively working as GPs, making comparisons difficult.
In contrast, the lowest ratios of practicing GPs were found in Greece (45.8 per 100,000 inhabitants), Bulgaria (59.8), Sweden (62.2, based on 2021 data), Slovenia (68.8), and Hungary (68.9). These disparities highlight the uneven distribution of general practitioners across the EU, which poses challenges for equitable healthcare access.
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An Aging Medical Workforce : A Growing Concern
One of the most pressing challenges for the EU’s healthcare sector is the aging physician population. By 2022, 12 EU countries reported that more than 40% of their practicing physicians were aged 55 or older.
- Germany recorded the highest share of physicians aged 55–64 years at 36.1%, followed by Bulgaria (33.9%) and Latvia (27.4%).
- Italy led the statistics for the oldest physicians, with 26.7% of its workforce aged 65 or older. Hungary (22.4%) and Estonia (22.3%) followed closely.
This aging trend raises concerns about impending retirements, which could exacerbate shortages in healthcare professionals across the EU.
Where Are the Youngest Doctors ?
In contrast to the aging workforce, some EU countries reported relatively higher proportions of younger physicians (under 35 years old):
- Malta led with 46.1% of its physicians in this age group.
- Romania (34.6%) and the Netherlands (29.7%) followed, showcasing a more balanced demographic profile in their healthcare workforces.
These countries may serve as examples for strategies to attract and retain younger professionals in the medical field, helping to offset the aging trend observed elsewhere.
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Addressing the Future of Healthcare
The disparities in GP ratios and the aging physician population pose significant challenges for the EU’s healthcare systems. Countries with lower GP ratios and older workforces face an increased risk of strained healthcare services, especially as aging populations demand more medical care.
To ensure a sustainable healthcare workforce, EU member states must invest in education and training programs to attract younger professionals while also implementing policies to retain experienced practitioners. Collaborative efforts between nations can address these disparities, ensuring equitable healthcare access for all EU residents.
A Call to Action
The European medical workforce is at a crossroads. With aging physicians on the rise and uneven distributions of GPs, proactive measures are essential to maintain healthcare quality and accessibility. By prioritizing workforce development and fostering international cooperation, the EU can address these challenges and secure a healthier future for its citizens.
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Source : Eurostat
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