Abstrakt
Government documents on ensuring healthcare accessibility in the Czech Republic often appear to suggest that primary healthcare access is problem-free and delivered to a high level. However, the methods of assessment used are very general and do not take account of variables that may affect accessibility in the near future.
Geodemographic factors are one such category. The demographic structure of general practitioners is markedly regressive: a quarter of paediatric and adult general physicians are in the 55-59 age group, a third are aged 60 or over, while only 11% of general physicians are under 40 and only 4% of paediatric general practitioners.
This means that the intergenerational replacement of physicians will become an issue. The problem is felt particularly among dentists (21% are aged 55-59, while 31% are aged 60+).
Regionally, the situation is even less favourable - some regions are already experiencing acute problems and patients have difficulties registering with a doctor.