In most EU countries it is very hard to reach a doctor in decent time unless you can afford to pay a lot.
So you can suffer for weeks with an infection and high fever because the pharmacies won't sell you antibiotics because you don't have a paper from a doctor.
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
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.
So you can suffer for weeks with an infection and high fever because the pharmacies won't sell you antibiotics because you don't have a paper from a doctor.