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Health

An attractive sector

The Hautes-Alpes has one of the highest ratios of doctors per capita in France. This is due to the region’s appeal as a great place to live and the high level of tourism in a department that welcomes more than 5 million visitors a year. The department has launched a proactive initiative to attract young professionals in the healthcare field.

One of the highest medical densities

The Hautes-Alpes department has a density of general practitioners that exceeds the national average. According to INSEE, the department has approximately 291 general practitioners per 100,000 residents (2023)—a ratio that ranks it among the best-served regions in France. However, behind this encouraging figure lies a challenge: geographic distribution. Certain rural or mountainous areas still suffer from limited access, particularly to specialized care, and an uneven regional coverage.

J. Novak

The challenge of specialization
and permanence

In addition to basic healthcare, the département needs to attract specialist practitioners (dentists, cardiologists, neurologists, radiologists, etc.). The “Attractivité santé” strategy aims to strengthen the hospital and ambulatory care offer in these sectors, by supporting the establishment of practices, promoting territorial cooperation (rural hospital/central hospital), and assisting professionals in their installation (housing, financial aid, digital facilities).

OT Serre-Ponçon

Embrun market

A Coordinated Approach
, “My Future, Right Now”

With “My Future Now”, the Hautes-Alpes are banking on a simple strategy: facilitating the long-term settlement of new residents in the region. The program offers practical support to people who choose to settle in the department, whether they are recent graduates, families looking to start a new life, or experienced professionals.

While all sectors are involved (construction, education, civil engineering, services, etc.), special attention is being paid to healthcare professions. The challenge is clear: to meet the growing need for doctors, dentists, and specialists in the Hautes-Alpes. To this end, a one-stop shop dedicated to healthcare—in partnership with the ARS—centralizes information and services: administrative procedures, relocation assistance, internship opportunities, training opportunities, and logistical support. The goal is to create a seamless and attractive pathway capable of retaining healthcare professionals over the long term.