General practitioners are the heart of healthcare in the Netherlands. It is crucial that everyone in the Netherlands has their own GP, with easily accessible care, because people with a regular GP live healthier and longer. In the coming years, the government will place increasing responsibilities on general practitioners in order to reduce healthcare costs. This is only possible if there is a permanent GP in every district.
Aldermen for Care, Welfare and Public Health: Eelco Eerenberg Utrecht Diana van Loenen Haarlem Charlotte van der Meij Haarlemmermeer Manouska Molema Groningen Alexander Scholtes Amsterdam.
The good news is that the government wants to encourage practice ownership among general practitioners and lower barriers for young general practitioners to establish themselves in a neighborhood. The bad news is that the costs of starting a practice are too high and the government does not compensate general practitioners for this. A problem that ultimately affects residents because the GP disappears from their neighborhood.
Need grows
Most regions have a shortage of general practitioners. Although the number of general practitioners has increased (from around 10,000 in 2012 to more than 13,000 now), demand is increasing faster due to, among other things, an aging society and more complex care needs.
In addition, the number of general practices is declining. In 2012, almost 70 percent of general practitioners were practice owners, currently this is less than 50 percent. While the need for a general practitioner in the area is growing right now, as a result of national policy. Consider transferring large parts of secondary care (such as hospital or mental health care) to primary care (the GP) to curb healthcare costs. People are living at home longer and longer – and that requires a trusted GP nearby.
Solution is simple
Over the years, general practices have been given more and more tasks. For example, practice assistants have been added for people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychological complaints and care for the elderly. All those people also need space and a workplace in the GP practice.
At the same time, financing (new) practice accommodation is a major problem for general practitioners, for example when they want to take over a building, expand or move. Due to high real estate prices, construction costs and rental prices, there is no prospect of improvement for the time being. Research by the National Association of General Practitioners shows that 40 percent of general practitioners are not renovating or moving because of the high costs. Local governments are doing what they can and health insurers also want to fulfill their duty of care, but they can do no more than stick a band-aid as long as the Dutch Healthcare Authority does not sufficiently include the increased costs in the new rates.
High real estate prices, construction costs and rental prices pose a problem for general practices
The new rates have recently been determined, but the rate in 2025 will only increase by 1.9 percent compared to 2024. This is also impossible for municipalities to follow, because housing costs are rising much faster. This means that a national rate becomes a local problem.
The solution is simple, in order to give general practitioners better financing options, cost-covering rates must be introduced for basic general practitioner care.
Give GPs the appreciation they deserve and offer residents the GP care in the neighborhood to which they are entitled.
Also read
Call ten times to find a GP Share Email the editor
Well, well, well, it looks like the Netherlands is in a bit of a situation when it comes to its GPs! General practitioners are supposed to be the heart of healthcare, yet it seems like we’re edging towards a comedy of errors here—more like a farce than a far-fetched idea. I mean, they’re crucial! Without them, it’s like trying to watch a movie without popcorn—just plain wrong!
The good news is that the government wants to support GPs setting up shop. Sure, we love supporting the arts, but investing in our healthcare is like investing in the next Batman movie—it just makes sense! But here’s the kicker: the costs skyrocketing faster than a Lee Evans routine! So, we basically have a health system where you can’t afford to take care of your health. Isn’t that a delightful irony? It’s like being asked to swim in the shallow end while someone keeps raising the water level with a bucket!
Need grows
Now, who knew that GPs were becoming rarer than good Wi-Fi in a rural area? While the number of general practitioners has increased to more than 13,000, demand is growing faster than Rick Gervais’ ego after a Netflix special. With an aging population and rising health complexities, it’s like we need GPs on speed dial! But wait—less than 50% of them actually own their practices? It’s like a bad break-up: they’re there but they don’t want to commit!
And here’s where it gets even spicier. As healthcare shifts focus from hospitals to general practices, our beloved GPs are being transformed into overworked superheroes! They’re juggling diabetes, heart disease—you know, all the fun stuff—while their offices resemble a game of Tetris where all the pieces are the wrong shape. They need space, a workplace—perhaps a miracle? What’s next? Are they going to find a genie in a lamp? He’s probably had enough of this too!
Solution is simple
But worry not, solutions abound! Oh, wait. They’re being crushed under the weight of real estate prices soaring high enough to give your wallet a heart attack! Financing practice accommodation? Sounds easy, right? Well, let’s just say it’s about as easy as getting a refund from a bad comedy show—lots of effort for very little reward. Did someone say “band-aid solution”? Because it seems that’s the magic fix everyone is passing around while the real issue is being ignored, like that cousin nobody invites to the family BBQ!
So, what’s the grand plan? An increase of a mere 1.9% in rates for 2025? That’s about as exciting as watching paint dry! We need a cost-covering rate that actually reflects real-life expenses. Because, let’s be honest, how can we give GPs the appreciation they deserve when they’re financially scrambling like a contestant on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” after the first question? We want our GPs in the neighborhood because let’s face it, that’s where we need them—like free Wi-Fi!
In conclusion, the Dutch healthcare scenario could use a bit of lightheartedness—maybe we could ask a famous comedian to write a funny sketch about it, but they might just laugh in despair instead! What we need are solutions that not only keep our GPs around but also keep them smiling. Healthcare without GPs is like a comedy routine without a punchline—just not funny at all. So, let’s get on that, shall we?
Also read: “How Not to Find a GP in Ten Easy Steps—A Masterclass in Self-Sabotage.”
**Interview with Eelco Eerenberg, Alderman for Care, Welfare, and Public Health in Utrecht**
**Host:** Welcome, Eelco! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing issues facing general practitioners in the Netherlands. The situation seems quite alarming, with GPs experiencing increased pressure and diminishing practice ownership. What do you think are the main contributing factors to this crisis?
**Eelco Eerenberg:** Thank you for having me! Indeed, the combination of an aging population and complex care needs is straining our healthcare system. Despite the number of GPs increasing from around 10,000 to over 13,000 in recent years, the demand is outpacing supply, largely due to national policies aimed at transferring secondary care responsibilities to primary care.
**Host:** That sounds frustrating, especially since these changes are meant to improve healthcare quality and accessibility. However, we’ve seen a decline in the number of practice owners, which is surprising. Can you elaborate on why this shift is happening?
**Eelco Eerenberg:** Absolutely. Back in 2012, nearly 70% of GPs were practice owners; now it’s less than 50%. This shift stems from high startup and operational costs—especially concerning real estate and practice space—which discourage young professionals from setting up their own practices. The lack of financial support from the government compounds the issue, making it nearly impossible for new GPs to establish themselves in neighborhoods that desperately need their care.
**Host:** It’s unfortunate that financial barriers are affecting healthcare accessibility. You mentioned the government’s efforts to encourage practice ownership among new GPs. What specific steps are being considered to address these financial challenges?
**Eelco Eerenberg:** The government is definitely contemplating various measures, including the introduction of cost-covering rates for basic GP services. This would alleviate some of the financial pressure on general practitioners, enabling them to invest in their practices and ultimately provide better care to residents. Additionally, local governments are collaborating with health insurers to explore solutions, but until national rates reflect rising costs, we will continue to face challenges.
**Host:** It’s clear that the situation requires urgent attention. If changes aren’t made soon, what kind of long-term impact do you foresee for healthcare in the Netherlands?
**Eelco Eerenberg:** Without a significant shift in support for general practitioners, we risk severe healthcare shortages in various regions. As GPs leave the profession or retire without sufficient successors, residents may find it increasingly difficult to access the care they need. This could lead to greater health disparities and a deterioration of public health overall.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Eelco. It’s evident that addressing these challenges is critical not only for the future of general practice in the Netherlands but also for the overall health and well-being of the population. We hope to see positive changes soon.
**Eelco Eerenberg:** Thank you! It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness and advocate for GPs. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.
