Statement: ‘Don’t have your own GP anymore? I fear for my health!’

ONCE: I fear for my health, without a regular doctor

Your own doctor is indispensable. He knows how you are and what your medical history is. The doctor can assess when your symptoms indicate something serious, or when it will probably be over in a few days. To do this, the doctor must know you well and know how you react to pain or discomfort. Especially if you have several ailments, having your own doctor is important. He maintains contact with all emergency personnel. Certainly when you get older and start to show defects, you cannot do without your own doctor. Finally, the general practitioner in the Netherlands is the ‘gatekeeper’ who decides whether or not you should see a medical specialist. If you no longer have your own GP, ​​there is a risk of arbitrariness.

DON’T: a regular doctor is not necessary

The regular GP has been disappearing for some time. There is not much new under the sun. The GP who is available day and night for all patients is no longer there. Since the arrival of the GP posts, you usually get a different GP in the evenings and at weekends. You can also get a replacement during the day, which is fine. At the same time, GP practices are becoming better organised. They work with practice nurses, who have more time than the GP. You can also go there for an annual medical examination, which is nice. Thanks to ICT, all general practitioners are well aware of your file and your history.

Of course it is annoying that general practitioners leave the profession. But that may require further modernization of the profession and support for the GP. Can the municipality, for example, provide the practice space? The National Association of General Practitioners has a number of wishes drawn up† Good if more attention is paid to that.

Want to know more about this matter first? Read more about the disappearance of your own GP here.

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