FED: Australia faces long-term GP shortage - researchers=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2006
FED: Australia faces long-term GP shortage - researchers=2

Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Dr Mukesh Haikerwal said the neglect
of Medicare for more than a decade by successive governments had made general practice
a less attractive option for medical graduates.

"Without greater incentives and support, doctors will be forced to leave their practices,"

Dr Haikerwal said in a statement.

"This means patients will find it much more difficult to see a doctor when they need one."

Despite recent boosts to medical training places in Australia, Dr Haikerwal said the
nation still faced a chronic shortage of GPs for years into the future.

"This paper puts a welcome spotlight on the essential need for retention of GPs," Dr
Haikerwal said.

"It is now time for the government to switch their focus to the enormous challenge
of how to properly train all these new doctors, then keeping enough of them in the GP
workforce.

"There must be greater recognition of the need for quality training in general practice
to attract medical students, and doctors in training to pursue a career in general practice."

Dr Haikerwal recommended enhancing the use of GP nurses under the supervision of GPs
as one way to improve conditions.

AAP tr/arb/nf

KEYWORD: DOCTORS 2 BRISBANE (REOPENS)

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