More Doctors for Rural Areas

The Health Insurance Fund, following the assumption of office by the new management, placed the improvement of working conditions for family doctors in rural areas among its first and priority activities, in cooperation with the Association of Private Doctors. In this regard, the remuneration for these doctors has been increased and the operation of practices with an incomplete team has been made possible. In addition, the capitation for family doctors increased by a historic 33%, as a step towards strengthening primary health care.

Guided by the principle of equal access to health care for all insured persons, the Fund has initiated activities to amend the Rulebook on the manner of payment for health services in primary health care. The aim of these amendments is to create favourable conditions for the opening and operation of practices in rural areas, thereby encouraging doctors to work in these areas and ensuring better-quality and more accessible health care for residents.

At present, out of 96 planned family doctors in rural areas, 44 are operating, while 52 are lacking.
The Fund intends to implement amendments to the Rulebook that will enable further liberalisation of the criteria, removal of existing obstacles and facilitation of the opening of new practices in rural areas where they are most needed.

As part of this initiative, the Fund invites: family doctors who already work in rural practices; doctors interested in working in rural areas, but restricted by the current conditions in the Rulebook; and residents of rural areas, to submit their opinions, proposals and suggestions regarding the amendments to the Rulebook.

Proposals may be sent by 1 November 2025 to the email address: [email protected]. All proposals received will be carefully reviewed by a special commission responsible for preparing the amendments. If they are in accordance with the legal regulations, the proposals will be incorporated into the new Rulebook or will serve as a basis for amendments to the legal regulations.
The Health Insurance Fund remains committed to creating conditions for fair, accessible and quality health care for all citizens!

Yours faithfully,
Health Insurance Fund