High Uni Fees Will Make Medicine The Realm Of The Rich And Cause Doctor Shortages
AMA Vice President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said universities could price doctors out of existence if medical degree fees being planned by Melbourne University become the norm.
It was reported in The Australian today that Melbourne University is planning upfront fees of $35,000 a year for full-fee degrees, which translates to $210,000 for students wanting to become doctors.
Dr Haikerwal said fees of this level would put a medical degree in the same range as buying a house.
"There are enough disincentives to study medicine already out there without costing a medical career out of the reach of already but a privileged few," Dr Haikerwal said.
"Australia is already in the grip of a medical workforce shortage. We cannot afford any more obstacles for kids wanting to be doctors.
"The Government must have another look at its legislation if it is going to allow universities to put profit ahead of the health of all Australians and the education of our children.
"Students from lower and middle socio-economic backgrounds can kiss a medical career goodbye if this plan goes ahead.
"Medical students should be selected on their ability to study and practise medicine, not on their ability to pay.
"The same principle applies to all students.
"I urge Education Minister, Dr Brendan Nelson, to look back on his own path to a medical career and find a way to give bright young students their best shot at becoming a doctor," Dr Haikerwal said.