In which EU country do you live? I moved twice and I never had this experience. Visits this routine can be done almost without delay, sometimes directly off the street inbetween scheduled patients.

Here in Ireland I've never had to wait more than a few hours to see a doctor to get a prescription for an infection. Can be a bit harder at the weekend but still seen the same day

Been in Portugal and Austria. Never had this issue, public doctors only.

Even in Hungary it is easy to reach a doctor. The difficulty is in finding a doctor who gives a damn.

Tell me about it. My kid has a chronic condition and we always have better luck being seen immediately by her ped in the US for a flair up.

Can you list some of the countries? I am curious, because in my country i can be seen within few days or call my doctor i need to. There are also consulting doctors that can be reached, if GP is not available. costs about 4 euros per visit.