As Switzerland’s population ages so do its doctors. In 2021, more than a quarter of doctors were more than 60 years old, according to data published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
![contemplative doctor in uniform reading clinical records](https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-4173239.jpeg?resize=1880%2C1253&ssl=1)
At the end of 2021 Switzerland had 25,439 doctors working in doctors’ surgeries or outpatient centres, a rate of nearly 3 per 1,000 residents.
Overall, 28.4% of these doctors were 60 or over. Among those working in regular doctors’ surgeries and outpatient centres the rate was 25.5% and among those working in specialised or multi-disciplinary centres it was 29.8%.
The high percentage of doctors approaching the traditional retirement age could represent a looming shortage of doctors. These percentages exceed those for the general population. In 2020, 18.8% of Switzerland’s population was over 64 years old.
In addition, the statistics show significant gender imbalances. Only 39% of doctors 45 years old and over were women, an imbalance that swings the other way among doctors under 45, an age group where only 39% were men.
More on this:
FSO article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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