France faces a looming shortage of primary care doctors as population ages
A Cour des comptes report warns that by 2040, a growing elderly population will outstrip the supply of general practitioners, with only half of the 2024 doctors acting as primary care physicians.
In a report delivered on September 30 at the request of the Assemblée nationale, the Cour des comptes warned that France will confront a severe shortage of primary-care physicians as its population ages. By 2040, over 25% of residents are projected to be older than 65, dramatically increasing the need for general practitioners. Although medical school admissions have risen over the past ten years, the pool of doctors willing to act as patients' main physicians has not kept pace; only half of the 100,000 generalists recorded in 2024 have taken on that responsibility.
The court stresses that the 2004 reform, which requires patients to see a GP before consulting a specialist to ensure proper reimbursement and avoid unnecessary specialist visits, must be supported and strengthened. It also notes that the specialty of general practice is becoming less attractive to new interns, further eroding the available workforce.
Why it matters
A shortage of primary doctors could strain France's health system as its population rapidly ages.
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