Germany's doctor shortage looms as part-time work surges and full-time roles decline
Germany's healthcare system is facing a shift in its workforce as more doctors move to part-time roles. While the total number of physicians has grown, fewer are working full-time, raising concerns about future staffing. New figures also highlight regional differences in doctor availability across the country.
The latest data shows the number of office-based physicians in Germany has risen to 191,875. However, the number of full-time doctors has dropped by 12 percent over the past decade. At the same time, part-time work has surged, with 40 percent of physicians now working reduced hours.
General practitioners (GPs) have seen a slight increase, with 343 more doctors bringing the total to 55,778. But full-time GP positions have barely changed, dipping by just 0.1 percent. The average age of doctors has fallen slightly to 54.4 years, though in western Germany, one in five family doctors is over 65 and nearing retirement. Since 2015, the number of employed doctors has jumped by 135 percent, reflecting a growing reliance on part-time staff. Women now make up 53.2 percent of the medical workforce, with higher numbers in eastern states. Yet regional gaps remain—Heidelberg has the most doctors per resident, while Coburg has the fewest. Looking ahead, around 25,000 full-time physicians are set to retire in the next 20 years. To fill the gap, experts estimate up to 50,000 part-time doctors may be needed.
The rise in part-time work and an ageing medical workforce present challenges for Germany's healthcare system. With regional differences in doctor distribution and a growing share of female physicians, the sector will need to adapt to maintain patient care. The coming decades will test how well the system can balance staffing needs with changing work patterns.
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