Healthcare Canton of Solothurn introduces admission restrictions for specialists

The Solothurn government has decided on maximum numbers for the admission of medical specialists. This initially affects cardiologists and orthopaedists in urban regions. General practitioners, pediatricians and psychiatrists are not affected by the restrictions, as the canton announced on Tuesday.

According to the ordinance passed by the cantonal government on Tuesday, the specialty of "cardiology" will be limited to a maximum of 27.5 full-time positions (currently 20.9) and the specialty of "orthopaedic surgery and traumatology of the musculoskeletal system" to a maximum of 55.4 full-time positions (currently 39.0). The restriction applies to the Olten and Solothurn areas and, in the case of orthopaedics, also to the Grenchen area.

Solothurn is implementing a federal ordinance stipulating that the cantons must set maximum numbers for doctors in the outpatient sector in at least one medical specialty. The Solothurn electorate approved the corresponding amendment to the Health Act in June 2023 with 63% of votes in favor, as the State Chancellery writes.

"Implement with a sense of proportion"

The cantonal government is aware that there is a shortage of doctors in primary care in the canton of Solothurn. In addition to general practitioners, paediatricians and psychiatrists, this also affects some specialist disciplines. The Department of Home Affairs involved the medical profession in the drafting of the proposal and the aim was to "implement the maximum numbers with a sense of proportion", according to a press release.

The maximum numbers are an instrument for the cantons to control outpatient services and restrict the admission of specialists. Doctors require a license in order to be able to bill their services to the compulsory health insurance.