Supply of General Practitioners: Hamburg Second in Germany - Hamburg's doctor surplus hides a looming GP shortage crisis
Hamburg leads Germany in doctor numbers but faces growing shortages in general practice. The city has the highest ratio of physicians per resident, yet fewer full-time GPs remain. A shift towards part-time work and an ageing workforce are adding pressure to patient care.
As of 2025, Hamburg boasts 315 doctors and psychotherapists per 100,000 residents—the highest rate in Germany. It also ranks second for general practitioners, with 73.4 per 100,000 people. But behind these figures lies a shrinking full-time workforce.
Since 2020, the number of full-time GPs in the city has dropped by around 15%, falling from 1,200 to 1,020. Younger doctors, particularly those under 40, are increasingly choosing part-time roles. A 2024 study by the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung found that 40% of this age group now work reduced hours. Reasons include demands for better work-life balance, high burnout rates, family commitments, and a preference for flexible schedules after the COVID-19 pandemic. Women make up 58.3% of Hamburg's general practitioners, reflecting a broader trend. The city also has the second-highest proportion of female doctors nationwide, at 58.9%. Meanwhile, 15.2% of GPs and 15% of all doctors and psychotherapists are over 65. With retirement rates set to climb as baby boomers age, the loss of experienced practitioners will likely worsen shortages. Nationally, the number of physicians and psychotherapists in statutory health insurance rose by 2,324 in 2025—a 1.2% increase. Yet around 5,000 GP positions remain unfilled across Germany, highlighting the strain on primary care.
Hamburg's healthcare system is at a crossroads. While the city has more doctors per person than anywhere else in Germany, the decline in full-time GPs and an ageing workforce threaten access to care. The trend towards part-time work among younger professionals suggests these challenges will persist in the coming years.
