Australia faces a projected GP workforce shortage of up to 8,908 by 2048; stakeholders call for urgent government intervention to expand the GP workforce.

Australia faces a significant shortage of general practitioners, with the Department of Health and Aged Care's GP workforce report showing a current shortfall of 2,460 Full Time Equivalent GPs, expected to increase to 5,560 by 2033, and up to 8,908 by 2048. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging the Australian government to invest in expanding the GP workforce, suggesting implementing incentive payments and basic work entitlements to address the loss of work entitlements and pay cuts faced by GPs when they transition from hospital to private practice. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) also calls for urgent government intervention to address the issue, proposing measures like rebuilding the GP workforce through initiatives like training more GPs and supporting them to work in areas of need, expanding access to clinical placements, and ensuring the number of GP training places each year is based on community needs.

August 05, 2024
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