Germany's GP crisis deepens as 5,000 doctor roles remain vacant ahead of flu season

Germany faces a growing shortage of general practitioners, with around 5,000 positions currently unfilled. As the flu season approaches, the strain on remaining doctors is expected to increase. Meanwhile, new financial measures aim to ease the pressure on primary care services.

From this month, general practitioner services will be fully reimbursed. This change comes as part of broader efforts to support primary care. However, no nationwide increase in demand for GPs is forecast in the coming years.

A new practice allowance will launch in 2026, offering tiered subsidies based on the range of services provided. The scheme is designed to incentivise doctors to take up or retain positions in underserved areas. Decisions on primary care provision and cross-sectoral facilities will also shape how GPs operate in the future. In Niedersachsen, recent data from the KVN showed 447 unstaffed GP positions, though no national comparison for previous years is available. The current shortage of 5,000 unfilled roles highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining adequate primary care coverage.

The combination of financial incentives and reimbursement changes aims to stabilise GP services. Yet, with no expected rise in demand, the focus remains on filling existing gaps. The upcoming flu season will test whether these measures are enough to support an already stretched workforce.