Croatia faces medical shortages and healthcare reforms

Croatia is facing a significant shortage of medical professionals, with the Dubrovnik General Hospital reporting a deficit of 120 doctors and 60 nurses. While some specialties like clinical radiology and gynecology see high interest, others—including neurology, nephrology, psychiatry, and internal oncology—face a lack of applicants.

Nationally, the country lacks 288 family medicine physicians, and nearly 900 are expected to retire within the next five years. This shortage is particularly acute in smaller communities and islands. In response, the Minister of Health has announced plans for the reorganization of emergency medicine and changes to the medical specialization system to encourage doctors to practice in less populated areas. To support this, incentives such as an additional 2,000 euros net monthly have been offered to pediatricians in locations like Novalja.

In island communities like Veli Iž, healthcare relies heavily on doctors from neighboring countries. For example, Dr. Luka Pirnat, a specialist from Sarajevo, recently moved to the island to fill a critical void, highlighting the vital role physicians play in ensuring security for aging island populations.