Shortage of GPs in France:
The shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) in France has been a growing concern over the years. Recent data from the Conseil National de l’Ordre de Médecins and statistics bureau Insee shows that the number of GPs per capita has declined significantly in many metropolitan departments. Out of 96 metropolitan departments, only five had a higher ratio of GPs to patients in 2022 compared to 2010. The remaining departments experienced a drop in the number of GPs, with a few exceptions like Hautes-Alpes, which remained the same.
The decrease in the number of practicing GPs is also evident in data from le Conseil national de l’ordre des médecins (Cnom), which reported a decline from 97,000 to 88,000 GPs between 2007 and 2017.
Several factors contribute to the GP shortage in France. One significant issue is the aging workforce, as data from 2020 reveals that two-thirds of doctors in France are aged 55 or over. More GPs are retiring than entering the workforce, which adds to the shortage.
Furthermore, the effects of the now-defunct ‘numerus clausus’ policy, which limited the number of doctors qualifying from medical schools since 1971, have contributed to the shortage. This policy aimed to reduce health spending and GP competition but has led to fewer doctors per person in 2021 compared to 2012.
Geographical disparities also play a role, as nearly 30% of the population in France lives in regions with poor access to GPs. This creates "medical deserts," where patients struggle to find accessible medical services.
Comparisons with Other European Countries:
France is not alone in facing a shortage of healthcare workers, including GPs. Europe as a whole is grappling with a serious health worker shortage, which the World Health Organization (WHO) warned could worsen significantly within a decade, partly due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout, overtime, and deaths have further contributed to the crisis.
Comparing the number of doctors per 1,000 people in different European countries, France lags behind several nations, including Austria, Norway, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and others. The UK, in particular, faces a GP and nurse shortage compared to France.
Efforts to address the GP shortage in France have been challenging. While more postgraduate training places were allocated to general medicine than in most other EU countries, attracting enough students remains difficult due to perceived lower remuneration and prestige of general practice.
In conclusion, the shortage of GPs and healthcare workers is a significant concern in France and other European countries. The aging workforce, policy impacts, and geographical disparities contribute to this crisis, which poses challenges for healthcare systems and access to medical care.
