The family doctor crisis in Estonia is worsening rapidly. In order to attract more young family doctors to work outside of Tallinn and Tartu, the state is tripling the five-year starting bonus, formally known as a beginner's allowance, it pays to young doctors from the current €15,000 to up to €45,000.
Educated people moving to Ida-Viru County could be considered a patriotic act. It would give regional development new momentum and reinforce pro-Estonian sentiment, Erik Gamzejev notes in Vikerraadio's daily comment.
COVID-19 vaccines are currently available primarily at hospitals and health centers located in county seats across Estonia, as well as at some family medical centers and pharmacies.
A total of 1,031 births were registered in Estonia in June, the interior ministry says. The figure was slightly down on June 2021, when 1,044 births were registered.