‘Fix ageing health systems now’ says Czechia’s young doctors’ leader

Europe’s ageing population is putting critical pressure on health systems, which are already stretched by outdated infrastructure and staff shortages, says Albert Štěrba, chairman of the Czech Young Doctors Association.

Štěrba, a member of the Czech Pirate Party (Greens/EFA), spoke with Euractiv about the crisis facing Europe.

Tackling the dual challenge of an ageing population and staff shortages in healthcare requires more than just increased funding. What’s needed, he argues, is smarter reform, better digital infrastructure, and the political will to implement meaningful change, both at the national and EU levels.

Without coordinated action, many countries risk a serious shortfall of healthcare professionals and a system too stretched to provide basic care.

Asked what the biggest challenge is for Czech healthcare in the coming years, Štěrba does not hesitate. “If I had to sum it up in one word, it is demography,” he said.

“In the Czech Republic, the number of people over 85 is growing rapidly. At the same time, many doctors are close to retirement. In some areas, 40% of general practitioners are already over 60.”

Without action, he says, primary care capacity could drop by a third within a decade. “This is not just a Czech problem. Other member states face the same trend. We need a European approach,” he warned.

Digitalisation can help

One of the most immediate ways to strengthen strained systems, he argues, is through digitalisation.

Štěrba points to the European Health Data Space (EHDS) as a tool that could improve efficiency across borders, if countries implement it with ambition. “Digitalisation is an opportunity, but only if we use it to fix the system, not just to comply with regulations.”

In Czech hospitals, outdated software and fragmented systems still dominate.

“Many providers use hospital information systems developed in the 1990s. They are difficult to use, incompatible with each other, and slow down care,” he explained.

What’s missing is data standardisation. “If basic health data were available in structured digital form - accessible with patient consent - it would make a huge difference. Patients wouldn’t have to carry papers from clinic to clinic, and doctors could make faster decisions.”

Štěrba views the EHDS as a necessary step but warns that its success depends on national implementation. “We can either meet only the minimum requirements, or we can use this as a chance to build a system that’s actually useful.”

Doctors want patients, not paperwork

He also highlights the link between system inefficiency and workforce problems. “Junior doctors still earn less than the average salary in Prague. After years of demanding study, that’s not encouraging.”

But the main reason young doctors leave the profession isn’t salary, he says. “We’ve done surveys. The top factor is meaning. People want to treat patients, not spend 40% of their time on paperwork.”

This administrative overload contributes to burnout and dissatisfaction.

“It’s a waste of time and public money. We need to automate routine processes and invest in support staff who can handle non-medical tasks,” he said.

Štěrba also stresses the need to improve medical training. “The system doesn’t support young doctors well. We need a better structure in specialisation, and senior doctors should be recognised and paid for mentoring. Without that, professional development stagnates.”

EU-level action on health is often seen as politically sensitive, but Štěrba argues that demographic change makes it necessary. “Vaccination, ageing, cross-border care - these are European issues. It makes sense to invest in public health together.”

He believes the EU can help create a framework, but national governments must lead implementation. “We need someone to take responsibility. Right now, we’re missing leadership in the Czech Republic. No one wants to say 'this is the plan, let’s go'.”

Still, he sees a chance to move forward. “Because we haven’t digitised much yet, we can start clean. With the right strategy, we can create a system that works for patients, for doctors, and for the public budget.”

[Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire]