40 medical students will have more substantial regional placements from 2025 onwards, as part of a large investment made to regional health by the Federal Government.
The $19 million partnership between the government and Flinders University will see more students based long-term in Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor and the Riverland, in a bid to attract more workers in regional areas.
It comes following extensive lobbying from regional communities and health organisations, which have been struggling to provide adequate health care services due to an absence of GP’s.
The number of Australian graduates through universities is capped through the Commonwealth Supported Places program, with the State Government consistently advocating for an increase in the number of locally trained doctors.
Health Minister Chris Picton says it’s a big step in the right direction.
“Training more doctors here in South Australia, and having training taking place entirely in our regional areas, is absolutely vital to ensuring the future pipeline of regional doctors,” Picton said.
“We know that doctors who are trained in regional areas and who have a connection to their local communities are more likely to stay and practice there.”
