Gent’s healthcare system is under scrutiny as concerns rise about the availability of general practitioners in the city. The 2025-08-14 12:09:00 update from local health officials reveals that while Gent counts 364 GPs across various practices, questions remain about whether this number meets the community’s needs. How well are these doctors distributed, and can residents easily access care?
- Gent counts 364 GPs in 2024
- GP shortages appear in specific neighborhoods
- Patient stops complicate finding new GPs
- Aging GPs cause 18% outflow soon
- UGent graduates boost local GP inflow
- Public perceives fewer available GPs now
With one GP per 750 Gentenaars, the official figures suggest sufficient coverage. However, the reality might be different when factoring in the actual hours doctors work and patient demand. Is Gent facing a looming shortage of family doctors despite these numbers?
These concerns come amid reports of uneven GP distribution and an aging workforce, which could impact healthcare access in several neighbourhoods. Let’s explore what this means for Gent’s residents and the future of primary care.
Does the number of GPs truly reflect the healthcare needs of Gent’s population? The official ratio masks underlying issues such as reduced working hours and patient intake limits. Key points include:
- Post-pandemic effects have reduced open consultation hours and increased patient stops.
- Certain areas like stationsbuurt-Zuid and Gentbrugge face current or imminent GP shortages.
- Nearly 18% of GPs are expected to retire within five years, risking further gaps.
- Positive signs come from UGent’s medical graduates, with 59 trainees active locally in 2023.
As Gent navigates these challenges, community awareness and proactive recruitment will be crucial. Can local policies adapt quickly enough to ensure every Gentener has access to a trusted family doctor? The coming years will be telling for the city’s healthcare resilience.
