Federal Budget 2018: AMA Welcomes “Stronger Rural Health Strategy”
AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said that with medical graduate numbers in Australia at record numbers, well above the OECD average, this year’s Health Budget has a strong emphasis on building a rural training pipeline, making it possible for doctors to complete their medical degree in a rural area - and then continue to be able to work and train in these areas.
“The decision to reject the proposal for a stand-alone Murray Darling Medical School, in favour of a network, is a better approach with the Government instead pursuing a policy that builds on existing infrastructure to create end-to-end medical school programs,” Dr Gannon said.
“The AMA has championed a Community Residency Program, focusing on rural areas, and the significant expansion of prevocational training places in general practice announced tonight delivers on that policy proposal.”
“The decision to set aside funding for an extra 100 GP training places from 2021, earmarked for the proposed National Rural Generalist Pathway (NRGP), is a good first step in supporting its rollout.”
Read AMA Media
Read more about the Stronger remote, rural and regional health outcomes 2018-19 Budget measures
