Switzerland faces primary care risks as young doctors warn of shortages

Young family doctors in Switzerland are warning of a potential shortage in primary care due to high workloads. A study conducted by the University of Bern and the Swiss Association of Young Family Doctors (JHaS) reveals that all surveyed young doctors report having too many patients, leading some to stop accepting new ones.

To address these challenges, representatives are calling for improved working conditions, reduced administrative burdens, and better work-life balance. The study highlights a shift in professional preferences: 48 percent of young doctors prefer working in peripheral areas and 36 percent in rural areas, while only 16 percent favor urban centers. Additionally, there is a strong preference for team-based practices, with only 3 percent wishing to work in individual practices.

JHaS is advocating for stronger collaboration between doctors, medical assistants, and specialized nurses to distribute workloads more effectively. They are also seeking more appropriate funding and compensation for family medicine, noting that while primary outpatient care treats approximately 94 percent of health issues, it accounts for only about 8 percent of healthcare costs.