Focus on shortage of general practitioners
The aging population of the Netherlands, growing demand and staff shortages are exerting pressure on the care sector. General practitioners (GPs) are the bedrock of the care system.
They also act as gatekeepers: their treatment of patients can avoid the need for more expensive, specialist care. Everyone in the Netherlands should have access to a GP. Expenditure on GP care in 2024 is estimated at €5.4 billion.
In response to questions in the House of Representatives, the Minister for Medical Care asserted in April 2024 that there was not a national shortage of GPs. He acknowledged, though, that there were regional variations in the availability of GPs.
Sector organisations such as Nivel and the National Association of General Practitioners, however, claim there is a shortage of GP practices and expect it to worsen in the months and years ahead.
Some GP practices have already suspended the registration of new patients. Commercial organisations, such as the recently insolvent Co-Med, are increasingly taking over GP practices.
Why are we carrying out this investigation?
The various sources do not agree on whether or not there is a shortage of GPs. The grounds for the Minister for Medical Care’s assertion that there is not a national shortage of GPs are also uncertain.
What are we investigating?
The investigation will determine whether or not there is a shortage of GPs. We will analyse the figures used by the Minister of Health to calculate the supply of and demand for GP care and compare them with figures from other sources.
Besides the national figures, we will look at the regional distribution of GP practices and variations in the suspension of new patient registrations.
We will also investigate the forecast supply of and demand for GP care and the relationship between the two. In addition, we will investigate the causes of a potential shortage of GPs and map out the measures taken by the Minister of Health to alleviate or prevent a shortage.
Focus investigation
A focus investigation differs from an audit in that it is carried out in a considerably shorter period of time, looks at current events and answers specific, well-defined questions. A focus investigation culminates in a clear, concise report without opinions or recommendations.
Do you want to take part in this investigation?
The Court of Audit invites you to share any information you may have that would benefit our investigation. We appreciate all contributions, knowledge and experience you may care to share with us on this topic. Simply send an email to bijdrage@rekenkamer.nl.
We read all emails carefully and treat them in confidence. However, we are not able to reply to every contribution we receive.