The Great Australian GP Bidding War

A "bidding war" is brewing in Australia's regional and remote towns as the country wrestles with a worsening doctor shortage. Australia is approximately 2,400 full-time equivalent GPs short of what it needs, according to Department of Health estimates, and this shortfall is forecasted to grow to 8,900 by 2048, impacting rural, regional, and remote areas disproportionately.

Huge Incentives to Attract Doctors

Some country towns have begun offering huge salary packages—including six-figure sums and even free housing—to entice doctors to move from urban centers. For instance, the Shire of Quairading in WA's Wheatbelt region made headlines for offering a $1 million salary package for a new GP, which included housing.

Quairading shire president Jo Haythornthwaite says regional communities like hers need to make it appealing for doctors to move there. (ABC News: Cason Ho)

The Cost of Attracting Talent

The shire has hired a doctor with a $400,000 salary, along with three rental houses for the doctor and staff. However, this salary represents about 6% of the shire's annual funding. While residents appreciate the quality of healthcare, concerns arise about towns that cannot afford to compete in this bidding war.

Rural, regional and remote towns are most likely to be impacted by the GP shortfall. (ABC News: Cason Ho)

In north-west Queensland, a $500,000 salary with free housing failed to attract a doctor. The competition for doctors has led to worries about poor health outcomes for residents in rural areas, stressing the need for quality healthcare services.

Government Initiatives

Health Minister Mark Butler stated that the federal government is focused on avoiding a situation where smaller towns lose access to primary healthcare. Several programs have been established to train new GPs locally and bring in overseas-trained doctors.

Health Minister Mark Butler says several strategies are in place to boost the number of GPs. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)

The government also offers funding to attract GPs to specific regions. Tasmania has started offering grants of up to $250,000 for eligible country GPs to bolster the regional workforce.

The Reality of Rural Practice

Dr Alice Callaghan, a GP registrar, highlights that moving to the country isn't just about salary; it's about lifestyle and support structures. Many doctors are hesitant to take on the stress of being the sole practitioner in a town, especially as the healthcare needs of rural populations continue to rise.

Dr Alice Callaghan in her office at Plantagenet Medical. (ABC News: Cason Ho)

Addressing the GP Distribution Challenge

Despite a growing number of GPs, Australia still falls short of meeting healthcare needs. A report from the Department of Health and Aged Care emphasized that not enough medical graduates are choosing general practice, particularly in rural areas.

Dr Lorri Hopkins has worked as a GP in Albany for decades. (ABC News: Cason Ho)

Dr Lorri Hopkins highlights the need for more exposure to rural life during medical training to attract talent. As rural GPs often deal with complex cases due to the lack of specialists, funding for training and community support is critical.

A lack of specialists in regional areas like Albany means general practitioners often need a broader skillset, says Dr Lorri Hopkins. (ABC News: Cason Ho)

More funding for GPs in rural areas could help balance the inequities faced by regional towns compared to metropolitan cities, potentially freeing up funds for community investment.