The number of general practitioners in the province has increased over the past three years. Yet there are also villages where the GP disappears. For example in Reek. Now the residents have to go to Schaijk, but they would prefer to have a doctor in their village,
In 2020 there were still 1,582 general practitioners working in Brabant. Last year that number jumped to 1614 and this year it’s 1646, according to data from the Dutch Institute for Health Research (NIVEL). Most of those “new” doctors end up in the larger cities of the province. They often join existing GP practices. But in Reek the family doctor disappeared and so the residents had to go to Schaijk (because the practice there cares for patients), but this is not enough for the residents of Reek. They want a doctor in their village.
Few young GPs
Annemarie Cromwijk is a general practitioner at Humo, an interest group for general practitioners in north-east Brabant. You know why these types of cases are becoming more common. “Older doctors are retiring and there aren’t enough young doctors willing to take over the studies.” Doctors see many bears on the road. “There is a lot involved in running a general practitioner. Young GPs often see this as a major obstacle.”
Location also plays a role in which a family doctor wants to settle. “Rotterdam, for example, where training is also located, is a much more desirable place. Den Bosch, being a large city, therefore also finds it easier to find a new doctor.” Why not a village like Reek? “Unfortunately, the Oss is a less desirable area,” explains Cromwijk.
everything about everything
Guus Weitzel of Reek Village Development will do everything in his power to bring a doctor to his village. “Every village should have a primary care physician as a basic facility. If this is lost, it will be a great loss. It is especially important for older people that the doctor is close to home.”
Weitzel appeals to young GPs: “We have a combination of special care in Reek, with special education, a nursing farm, WMO and so on. A beautiful location.” He then says to people who want to take on a general practice: “Come to Reek”.
