Bornholm faces growing shortage of general practitioners

A shortage of general practitioners is threatening healthcare access on the island of Bornholm. Currently, 82 percent of medical practices on the island have closed to new patients, an increase from 77 percent in 2025 and 61 percent in the first half of 2026.

While no residents are currently without a doctor, the region has designated Bornholm as a threatened area for medical coverage at both regional and national levels. The island currently has 24 doctors distributed across 26 capacities in 11 practices. Concerns regarding future capacity are high; if all practices were to lower their patient numbers to the 2027 minimum threshold, the island would face a shortage equivalent to 2.7 doctors.

To address the crisis, a special 'Bornholmerpakke' has been allocated to support medical coverage. These funds are intended for increasing medical capacities, providing subsidies for high-volume practices, and hiring staff to relieve doctors. Additionally, regional authorities and local organizations are working through 'Lægeveje Bornholm' to improve practice facilities and offer better educational opportunities on the island to attract new physicians.