Government Clarifies Funding Arrangements For Medical Intern Places
The AMA has been advised this afternoon that Commonwealth funding for 100 of the 180 medical intern places discussed at yesterday’s Health Ministers’ teleconference should not prevent further growth in the Prevocational GP Placements Program (PGPPP).
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said this afternoon that the AMA welcomes this clarification.
“The AMA was concerned that the shifting of funds may negatively affect the PGPPP but the Minister’s Office has assured us that the allocation is coming from unused funds,” Dr Hambleton said.
“PGPPP places will still grow by 15 per cent next year.
“We now look forward to all governments reaching agreement on funding for the remaining 80 places when they resume negotiations next Tuesday,” Dr Hambleton said.
The PGPPP primarily affects postgraduate doctors in years 2, 3 and 4.