MEDICAL students must be included in the Federal Government's Commonwealth Prac Payments scheme to boost access to care, especially in rural and remote areas.
The Australian Medical Association says it has written to Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, expressing disappointment medical students had been excluded from the scheme, unveiled in the 2024-25 Budget.
"Medical students are required to undertake about 2000 hours of unpaid clinical placements," AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said.
"The costs associated with this unpaid placement are a significant barrier to participation among current and potential students from low socio-economic and rural backgrounds."
McMullen added there was evidence that medical students who practice in a remote area are more likely to build community roots and remain in that area, meaning more doctors in areas that struggle the most with access.
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