The number of speech therapists in Luxembourg has grown by 157% in the last 10 years
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The number of speech therapists in Luxembourg has grown by 157% over the last 10 years, reflecting significant efforts to strengthen the sector. In 2023, there were 121 registered speech therapists practising in the country, of which more than 64% reside in Luxembourg. However, despite the positive trend, the shortage of specialists and long waiting lists remain an important challenge.
The majority of speech therapists work and live in the central part of the country, especially in the Luxembourg area, where the number has increased from 30 in 2013 to 90 in 2023. In regions such as Dikirch and Grevenmacher, the number of speech therapists is increasing at a slower pace, making it more difficult to access services in remote parts of the country.
Despite the growing number of specialists, staff shortages remain a pressing problem. The state does not have precise data on the length of queues in private offices, but it is known that in many places patients face long waiting times or no possibility to make an appointment at all. This situation is especially difficult for children in need of early intervention.
The Ministry of Health recognises the importance of the problem but has not yet provided a detailed strategy to increase the number of speech therapists. Potential solutions could be:
- Increase in the number of training places for professionals.
- Financial and career incentives to work remotely.
- Increase the efficiency of interaction between public institutions and private offices.
The problem of a shortage of speech therapists in Luxembourg emphasises the need for long-term and targeted measures to improve access to specialist services. Increasing the number of doctors is certainly important, but their even distribution and accessibility should be the next priority.
