Training for Junior Doctors in General Practice Increases by 20%
The Royal Australian College of GPs has reported that there has been a 19.8% increase in the number of junior doctors participating in its training program, with 1,504 junior doctors enrolled.
The increase in junior doctors training to become General Practitioners (GPs) is nearly 20%, but there is still a shortage. The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) disclosed that 1,504 junior doctors have joined its Australian GP Training Program, marking a 19.8% increase or 249 future GPs. It is the first time in years that the RACGP has managed to fill all its training positions. Among the new trainees, 844 have chosen the general training pathway, 583 the rural pathway, and 77 will engage in composite rural placements.
Despite this growth, RACGP President Dr. Nicole Higgins is urging the government to address Australia’s GP shortage. Higgins emphasized the need for increased Medicare rebates, funding for an additional 500 Australian GP program places within the next five years, and ensuring that training GPs receive equitable pay compared to other medical specialists.
On the other hand, data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Nov. 18 revealed ongoing challenges for patients. Issues included long wait times for GP appointments, especially in regional and remote areas, as well as cost barriers preventing people from seeking necessary healthcare services, including mental health support and prescription medicines.
With regards to bulk billing, there has been an increase in bulk-billed GP visits, with 77.3% of GP visits being bulk-billed in October 2024. However, Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston highlighted that there is still work to be done to improve access to healthcare services for all Australians.
