Sardinia increases medical scholarships to combat doctor shortages

The regional government of Sardinia has approved the funding of 30 additional scholarships for general practitioner training for the 2026-2029 three-year period. This brings the total number of funded positions to 90, increasing from the 60 previously announced.

The decision aims to address the shortage of general practitioners in the region and fully utilize local training capacity. Regional President Alessandra Todde stated that the measure is part of a broader effort to strengthen the territorial healthcare system. The additional funding is being provided through regional resources rather than waiting for new national programming.

Broader demographic challenges also impact the healthcare workforce. In Sardinia, the regional government has identified a need for 1,500 graduates in medicine and nursing. However, declining birth rates pose a challenge; based on 2008 birth data, projections suggest a limited pool of potential university students, making the requirement for a high proportion of medical and nursing students difficult to meet.