Cerkno patients wait hours in rain for new family‑doctor registration

The long‑standing family‑doctor in Cerkno retired in September 2022, leaving nearly 1,400 residents without a personal physician. The position was temporarily extended for eight months, but the new doctor began work in May and will see patients only twice a week, covering roughly one‑third of the caseload – about 490 patients.

Registration for the new doctor opens on Wednesday at 15:00, and officials warn of large crowds standing in the rain and cold. Authorities deny reports that waiting people will lack restroom facilities and say tents will be provided. Approximately two‑thirds of the patients will remain without a personal doctor, and the shortage affects over 3,000 people in the neighbouring municipalities of Idrija and Cerkno. An additional ambulatory service in Idrija continues to operate at its previous capacity to aid those without a designated doctor.