Flanders sets higher quotas for doctors and dentists

The Flemish government has set new starting quotas for doctors and dentists, Education minister Ben Weyts and minister of Welfare Hilde Crevits announced on Friday. As a result, more students will be allowed to start studying medicine after the summer holidays this year.

Next academic year in Flanders, 1.424 students will be admitted to medicine studies after passing entrance exams, and 218 will be allowed to start studying dentistry. With these new quotas, Flanders exceeds those set by the federal level. The doctors' quota previously specified by the federal government envisaged 1.104 candidate doctors and 181 candidate dentists for the next academic year. However, the Flemish government wants to train more doctors and dentists to eliminate the current shortage of medical professionals.

The increase was approved based on advice by a committee of experts and happened in consultation with universities, the ministers report.

(BRV)

_{#FlandersNewsService | Students taking entrance exams for medicine faculties at Flemish universities © BELGA PHOTO THIERRY ROGE}