The specialised training quotas for doctors are being tightened, resulting in more students entering general practice, in a bid to alleviate the shortage of GPs, starting from the 2028-2029 academic year, announced Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir on Sunday.
In Flanders, medical students become ‘basic doctors’ after six years before selecting a specialisation. Currently, there are quotas for general medicine, dentistry, and specialisations. These quotas are now being tightened, reducing the number of students who can choose specialisations.
There are twenty specialisations and three groups of specialisations facing reduced quotas. Specialisations in dentistry are also being tightened, while child and adolescent psychiatry training courses will not have quotas imposed. The goal is for 43 per cent of students to graduate as general practitioners, up from the current 35 per cent.
Medical quotas are set at least three years in advance, so the measure will take effect at the start of the 2028-2029 academic year.
“GPs are often the first point of contact for people with health problems. While GPs were once accessible in every community, we now face a growing shortage. This decision is crucial for the well-being of all Flemish citizens,” stated Minister Demir.
“This measure will help balance the number of GPs and specialists in Flanders. We also need to encourage students to consider a career as a GP. It’s an incredibly rewarding profession, allowing close interaction with people and making a real difference every day,” added Welfare Minister Caroline Gennez.
