THE Department of Health and Aged Care's GP workforce report has revealed a significant shortage of 2,460 full time equivalent GPs in Australia, projected to grow to 5,560 by 2033 and 8,900 by 2048.
Released this week, the report confirms pharmacy organisations' long-held fears around a nationwide GP shortage.
The report has led to four peak doctor groups calling for immediate government action to address the issue, stressing the importance of comprehensive policy measures, improved training conditions, and targeted support for rural and remote areas.
Australian Medical Association President Prof Steve Robson emphasised the necessity of expanding GP training and improving conditions for trainees.
"We need comprehensive policies to train more GPs and support them in areas of need, starting with medical school and extending to clinical placements and career support," Robson said.
The call for more training was supported by Dr Nicole Higgins, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, who said, "we need to remove barriers such as loss of work entitlements and pay cuts when transitioning from hospital to private practice".
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association CEO Kylie Woolcock commented, "despite having more doctors per capita than many countries, too many Australians struggle to see a GP".
"This issue is particularly acute in rural and remote areas and is now spreading to regional centres and outer suburbs," said Woolcock.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine President Dr Dan Halliday said, "the implications of the GP shortage are severe in areas of need".
"We need targeted training and workforce opportunities to address these unmet needs and ensure continuous and integrated healthcare for rural, remote, and First Nations communities," concluded Halliday. JG
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