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Budget fails to address rural GP shortage
AMA Victoria President Dr Mark Yates today criticised the State Government for failing to address the critical shortage of rural GPs and specialists in the State Budget.
Dr Yates said the government had missed the opportunity to address the most pressing issue facing rural Victorians.
“Doctors are extremely disappointed there is nothing in this week’s budget to attract GPs and specialists to practice in rural Victoria,” Dr Yates said.
“Communities across the state are justifiably concerned about the future of their local medical services. They are seeking stability and certainty in the knowledge they will have ready access to GP and Specialist services.
“AMA Victoria’s budget submission put a proposal to the government which would have attracted doctors to come and, most importantly, stay in rural towns.
“Working in a rural community has many attractions but there are also demands which affect the health and quality of life of doctors,” Dr Yates said.
“Sustaining the long hours and on-call demands to maintain quality care to the community in rural Victoria is taking its toll on an ageing doctor workforce,” Dr Yates said.
“Our recommendation to the government addressed these issues and would have made working in rural Victoria far more attractive to doctors.”
The AMA Victoria package includes:
• after-hours roster support
• locum relief
• strengthened professional networks
• increased clinical development and training opportunities
• increased engagement in local medical service planning
“Introducing a package such as this is urgent as a high proportion of GPs and specialists are close to retirement age.
“There are currently more than 60 unfilled GP positions and many specialists’ services no longer available in rural Victoria. Recruitment to fill these positions is heavily reliant on overseas doctors, which is becoming increasingly costly and difficult.
“The Bracks government now faces an immediate and direct challenge to secure the current and future rural medical services for this state. There is an urgent need for this package of measures to support and attract specialists and general practitioners to practice in rural Victoria.”
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