Inquiry into lack of GP shortage in Eden-Monaro

However, the situation is not restricted to Eden-Monaro but is being experienced across regional and rural Australia.

Now, s Senate inquiry will take place in a bid to investigate this acute shortage.

A Department of Health spokesperson said that the primary issue of the health workforce is no longer a matter of undersupply but of equitable distribution.

"Data shows over the past decade the rate of increase in GP numbers in Australia has been two and a half times greater than that of the general population with the majority of growth in GPs numbers in major capital cities and metropolitan areas," the spokesperson said.

"While the government does not contract medical providers, or recruit doctors into hospital positions, it funds a broad range of programs to encourage junior doctors, GP registrars and qualified GPs to train and work in rural communities. These include targeted medical training program funding, financial incentives for doctors and practices, outreach services, workforce agency funding and legislative mechanisms to improve the quality and distribution of the workforce.

"The government is also investing significantly in better access to health services for all Australians through the Stronger Rural Health Strategy. After the first two years of the strategy, more than 700 additional GPs and 700 additional nurses are working in regional and remote areas.

"In addition, the 2021-22 budget provides an additional investment of $123 million over five years in additional health workforce programs. This package of rural workforce measures will also help deliver more doctors, nurses and allied health workers into regional, rural and remote areas."

Detailed information on incentives and support available to GPs and practices in Queanbeyan, Braidwood, Yass and the surrounding areas are available on the Health Department's website at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/incentives-and-support-for-gps-and-general-practices-in-mm-locations

Meanwhile, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain welcomed the news and said that the regional health network is in crisis.

"Too many people are being forced to wait weeks to see a GP if they can see a GP at all. And the problem is only getting worse. COVID-19 has highlighted the holes and gaps in our health care system, and none are more obvious than the shortage of GPs across regional NSW," she said.

"But this issue isn't new, people living in the regions have been battling a critical lack of GPs for far too long. This inquiry will investigate why our region is particularly affected by a lack of GPs and should come up with practical solutions to fix it.

"This needs to be more than another box-ticking exercise. Our communities are seeking firm action and a commitment to solutions."

The Senate Inquiry will examine the Government's current classification system, the stronger Rural Health Strategy, GP training reforms, and the effects of the Medicare rebate freeze.

The inquiry will also assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on doctor shortages in outer metropolitan, rural, and regional Australia.

A total of 500 Eden-Monaro residents signed the regional health petition started by Ms McBain, shared their story and helped to advocate for their communities.

You can make a submission to the inquiry here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/OnlineSubmission