Dutch Healthcare Threatened by Growing GP Shortage
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
Nearly one million Dutch citizens face challenges finding a general practitioner, with the shortage expected to worsen, affecting healthcare access nationwide according to a recent report.
Current Crisis Dimensions
The latest report from the Algemene Rekenkamer reveals that between 777,000 and 926,000 Dutch citizens are currently seeking a general practitioner, with 45,000 to 194,000 having no GP at all [1]. The situation has reached a critical point where approximately 60% of GP practices had implemented patient stops in 2024, refusing to accept new registrations [2]. This crisis is particularly acute in regions such as Haaglanden, Zuid-Holland-Zuid, and Amersfoort, where at least 75% of practices are affected by patient stops [1].
Structural Challenges
The healthcare system faces a concerning trajectory as the shortage is projected to escalate from 3% in 2024 to 16% by 2034 [3]. This deterioration is driven by multiple factors, including an aging population and increased responsibilities placed on GPs [1]. Adding to these challenges, 56% of current general practitioners are expected to leave the profession within the next two decades [3]. The situation is further complicated by a declining number of independent practices, as newer GPs increasingly opt for employed positions rather than opening their own practices [2].
Regional Impact and Access Issues
The crisis is creating significant geographical disparities in healthcare access. By December 2024, nearly 7,000 individuals were waitlisted for GP placement assistance [1]. Robert Walpot, a practicing GP, reports that almost all practices in his region have implemented patient stops, leaving new residents unable to secure primary care [2]. This has led to increased pressure on GP out-of-hours services, which were not designed to handle routine care needs [2].
Government Response and Future Outlook
Despite Minister Fleur Agema’s assertion that there are ‘more GPs per capita than ever,’ the reality on the ground shows a system under severe strain [3]. The government is currently focusing on encouraging more GPs to establish independent practices and manage fixed patient groups [3]. However, healthcare experts, including Ewout Irrgang from the Algemene Rekenkamer, emphasize that the increasing trend of GPs working as locums or employees rather than practice owners poses risks to care continuity [2].