Scotland has the highest GP number per head in the UK

The possibility to see our GPs when we need to is one of the basics of a strong NHS. It is something people rely on every day, and it is something that has been under real pressure in recent years all across the UK.

Focusing on increasing the number of GPs in Scotland has therefore been a key priority for the SNP Government, helping to make sure that access to care is there for everyone when they need it.

Since 2017, GP numbers have increased by 271, with a clear commitment to grow that further and reach at least 800 more GPs by 2027. Today, Scotland has the highest number of GPs per head anywhere in the UK.

As of December 2025, Scotland had 84 GPs per 100,000 people, compared to 65 in England and 67 in Wales. That is a meaningful difference, and it reflects a continued effort to invest in primary care and strengthen access to local NHS services.

This has been backed by practical support: around £1 million each year has gone into recruitment and retention, helping to bring more people into general practice and support those already doing the job. That includes expanding training placements, supporting GPs to work in rural and island communities, and offering development opportunities throughout their careers.

These are not quick fixes, but these are the kind of steady, long-term steps that make a difference. More GPs means more capacity in the system, better access for patients, and more support for the staff who are already working hard in our NHS.

There is still more to do, particularly when it comes to waiting times and demand, but this progress matters. It helps ensure that general practice remains at the heart of our NHS and that people across Scotland can get the care they need, when they need it.