shore up most of the minor things that don't really require a doctor's care. This is anecdotal, but I got a nasty chest congestion, cough and fever in Paris one time. Rather than see a doc, the hotel concierge suggested I go to the corner pharmacy. In there, the pharmacist was able to suggest and proscribe the proper medications including some codeine cough syrup that really knocked it out. It wasn't very expensive, either. One thing they do in France to discourage going to the doctor for minor things is charge you money out of your pocket just to see them (unless you are too poor); a great idea to give the patient some skin in the game.

This is the advantage and intent of urgent care facilities, too. These things are inside stores like Walgreens or CVS or sometimes are standalone, as I'm sure you know. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than seeing a doctor or, obviously, an ER where too many people still go. But most importantly it helps shore up the doctors' shortage you're pointing out.
[Post edited by Seattle .Hoo at 04/20/2018 4:34PM]