Evidence mounting of unfair impact of ROS obligations on MRBS graduates

The AMA is seeing growing evidence of the unfair impact of DoH policy on return of service obligations for MRBS (Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship) and Bonded Medical Places (BMP) scheme graduates, including those who are working in rural areas. The draconian application of rules by the Department of Health is even seeing some doctors prevented from accessing opportunities to up-skill, despite the value that this brings to underserviced communities.

The AMA has written to the Health Minister Sussan Ley urging her to expedite consideration of the need for more flexibility in the application of return of service obligations for MRBS and BMP scheme graduates. “This is an important policy issue,“ said Dr Danika Thiemt. “Considering the very small number of graduates who have commenced their return of service under both the MRBS and BMP scheme, it is clear that both schemes have failed to meet their stated policy objectives and it is only through sensible reforms that we can turn this situation around.”