The Department of Health and Aged Care’s GP workforce report, released on Monday, has confirmed what many in the health sector already knew: Australia is facing a significant shortage of General Practitioners. There’s a current shortage of 2460 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) GPs and this number is predicted to rise to 5560 FTE GPs by 2033.
As the peak body representing Indigenous doctors in Australia, the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) highlights the critical role that First Nations doctors play in addressing this workforce shortage.
“The Indigenous Medical Workforce is an important part of the workforce, and part of the solution. We know that 48% of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander doctors in training have chosen the route to become GPs or rural generalists with RACGP or ACRRM1” said AIDA CEO, Donna Burns.
“The Indigenous medical workforce is powerful for all of Australia. Indigenous doctors bring unique perspectives, cultural understanding, plus the ability to provide culturally safe care to Indigenous patients. By creating pathways for Indigenous students to become GPs, we can address the workforce shortage for all Australians, while also improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.”
Similarly, the Indigenous medical workforce is essential to addressing shortages in rural and remote areas, with the Commonwealth’s Health Workforce Data showing that 46% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs already work in regional and rural areas compared with 28% of all GPs who graduated from Australia.
AIDA calls on the government to prioritise funding and resources to support Indigenous medical students and doctors in training, and to implement strategies that promote diversity and inclusion in the medical workforce. By working together, we can ensure that all Australians have access to high quality and culturally appropriate healthcare.
ENDS
The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and doctors in Australia. Our purpose is to grow ethical and professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors who will lead and drive equitable and just outcomes for our people.