UGPA says invest in general practice training
United General Practice Australia (UGPA), which comprises leading GP organisations, including the Australian Medical Association, has called on Government to invest in general practice training. Access to affordable and timely healthcare in both rural and urban settings will be at risk if the Government fails to do so.
GP leaders agreed that greater support of the general practice profession will lead to improved health system efficiency; a role that Australia general practice is already excelling in.
UGPA has called on the Government in the upcoming Federal Budget to invest in the expansion of programs that provide International Medical Graduates with adequate supervision and support by increasing community based general practice placements and vocational training numbers to a minimum of 1700 per annum by 2017. UGPA has also urged the Government to direct rural infrastructure grants to general practices that can demonstrate the greatest community impact to ensure the optimal outcomes of this program are achieved.
