Lack of GPs in Aust
AUSTRALIA will soon import more general practitioners than it’s producing.
The shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) in various regions has left communities under-served and in need of medical professionals to bridge this gap.
The Royal Australia College of General Practitioners president, Nicole Higgins, in response to this pressing issue, said physicians from Fiji and across the PaciƝc had been stepping up to Ɲll the void, bringing their expertise and dedication to improve healthcare access for Australians.
“The shortage of GPs in Australia has been a persistent challenge, especially in remote and regional areas where access to healthcare services is limited,” Dr Higgins said.
“According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the shortfall in GPs has been exacerbated by factors such as an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and difficulty in attracting and retaining medical professionals in rural and remote communities”
Dr Higgins stated that like Fiji, Australia was undergoing reforms in their medical sector in terms of addressing the same issues Fiji is facing in their medical sector.
“The Government is looking into, around, funding, roles, workforce, and such.”
She said an updated research shows Australia’s present GP shortage had reached crisis point with a predicted shortfall of 11,392 (28 per cent) full-time General Practitioners by 2032.
“By 2033, Australia will be importing more GPs than it’s making. And for the Ɲrst time, we did not have enough medical graduates to Ɲll out intern positions. That being said, the solution for everyone, is — we need to have family doctors.”
She said in an era marked by rapid inƞux in the GPs, the enduring importance of family doctors could not be overstated.
As the cornerstone of primary care, family doctors play a pivotal role in promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of individuals and communities alike.
One of the primary Ɲndings of the RACGP research is the integral role that family doctors play in preventive care. Unlike specialists who focus on speciƝc organ systems or conditions, family doctors are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care that addresses the diverse health needs of patients across the lifespan. From childhood vaccinations to chronic disease management and preventive screenings, family doctors serve as trusted advisers who empower patients to take proactive steps towards better health outcomes.
“Together our nations must prioritise primary health care and General Practitioners foundation.
“The health of our nations depends on how we all collaborate together across the PaciƝc.
“We all need to make sure our communities, deserve patient-centered healthcare,” Dr Higgins said.