The number of general practitioners within 5 kilometers by road was lowest in the municipality of Sluis in Zeeland.
Dutch people have to travel further and further to reach their GP. This is evident from recent figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), which show a slight increase in the average distance to the nearest GP practice. In 2022, this distance was on average 1,1 kilometers, an increase compared to 0,9 kilometers in previous years. However, the differences in distance strongly depend on the municipality in which one lives.
On the Wadden Island of Texel, the distance to the GP is greatest with an average of 2,8 kilometers. Similar situations can be found in Hulst and Midden-Drenthe, where residents have to travel an average of 2,6 kilometers. The shortest distance can be found on Schiermonnikoog, where residents only have to travel 0,4 kilometers. These distances are mainly determined by the geographical and demographic characteristics of these areas.
In general, it appears that residents in the west and center of the Netherlands have to travel less far for healthcare facilities compared to other parts of the country. Interestingly, residents living at the land borders could, in theory, also use facilities in neighboring countries such as Belgium and Germany. However, this was not included in the CBS study.
The situation in the municipality of Sluis in Zeeland is also remarkable. Here, residents can reach an average of only 5 GP practices within a radius of 0,8 kilometers. This is in stark contrast to Amsterdam, where residents have access to almost 70 different practices within the same distance.
The pharmacy was relatively close at an average of 1,3 kilometers. Pharmacies are often located in or next to a GP practice, but can also have their own locations.
One of the municipalities where the distance to the GP has increased the most is Hardinxveld-Giessendam. In 2022, the average distance here was 1,1 kilometers, while in 2008 this was 0,9 kilometers. In more than half of the Dutch municipalities, the distance to the GP practice has increased compared to 2008.
The distance to GP clinics, intended for emergencies outside practice opening hours, has also increased. In 2022, the average distance to the nearest GP post was 6,9 kilometers, an increase compared to 6,0 kilometers in 2008.
An opposite trend can be seen in the distance to hospitals and outpatient clinics. On average, this distance in 2022 was 7,3 kilometers for hospitals and 4,9 kilometers if outdoor outpatient clinics are included. This decline is partly attributable to hospital mergers and the increase in outpatient clinics in recent years.
Finally, the pharmacy appears to be relatively close for many Dutch people, with an average distance of 1,3 kilometers. In about a quarter of the municipalities the pharmacy is even 1 kilometer away or less.
