Family doctors: “3 million Italians a year risk being left without immediately”

Three million more Italians a year risk being left without a family doctor as early as 2022. And the same number by 2023. Silvestro Scotti, national secretary of the Italian Federation of general practitioners, is raising the alarm at Adnkronos Salute. “In fact, given the discomfort of the category, aggravated by fatigue due to the pressure linked to the pandemic – he explains – there is a risk that 9,000 white coats of the territory will retire early, between 2022 and 2023 compared to 3,000 – hopefully – young people in training. Anticipating the ‘generational gap’, previously expected for 2025, of 1,500-2000 fewer professionals every year. And without much hope of turnover, considering the inadequate planning and training of new professionals and a low attractiveness of general medicine for young people. The accounts are quickly made: considering that each doctor has an average of 1,500 patients, 2,000 fewer professionals means 3 million more Italians every year without a reference doctor “, he remarks.