Around 30% of Luxembourg’s Population Lacks a Designated General Practitioner – A Problem Partly Due to a Lack of Awareness About the Role of General Medicine.
In many countries, only polyclinics or emergency services are available, making the concept of general medicine relatively unfamiliar. In Luxembourg, however, general practitioners (GPs) play a central role and are often the first point of contact for health-related concerns.
General Practitioners: The First Line of Healthcare
A general practitioner assesses symptoms in the broader context of a patient’s overall health, allowing for a more thorough evaluation of medical conditions and efficient referrals to specialists. Depending on their practice setup, many GPs also offer on-site services such as blood tests, ultrasounds, and wound care.
A Growing Challenge: The Shortage of Doctors
Of the approximately 800 to 900 registered doctors in Luxembourg, only 200 to 300 practice primary care—half the number needed to meet demand. Furthermore, many general practitioners are approaching retirement age, which will further exacerbate the situation in the coming years.
Solutions Are Needed!
General practitioners are the cornerstone of an effective healthcare system. To meet the needs of a growing population and rising medical demands, it is essential to make this profession more attractive—ensuring robust and sustainable medical care for the future!
