Reducing the shortage of general practitioners in rural areas: Key priority levers for action

Belgium, like many European countries, is facing a shortage of general practitioners in rural areas. This uneven geographical distribution of doctors calls for multiple, integrated strategies to attract and retain practitioners in these regions. The rural origin of doctors is a key factor that has been largely overlooked by authorities until now. Measures such as quotas for rural students, conditional scholarships, and targeted awareness campaigns could be implemented. Financial incentives, while important, have shown mixed results and often prove ineffective in the long term if not combined with complimentary measures. The creation of single- or multi-disciplinary practices and improvements inon-call organization are essential to making work in rural areas more attractive. Quality of life also plays a decisive role. Investing in local infrastructure and supporting spousal employment are crucial measures. Finally, university curricula could include mandatory rural internships to help students become faniliar with these areas. This article presents proposals to balance the distribution of doctors and improve the attractiveness of rural areas in Belgium..