New maps help to identify doctor shortage in Australia

Australian government announced on Monday it has launched new maps to better identify doctor shortages so that rural, regional and remote communities will find it easier to attract General Practioners(GPs), the country's Ministry of Health said in a press release.

Launching the new District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) maps Monday, Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash said the new maps would more accurately identify where doctor shortages exist so that recruitment of new doctors can be better targeted.

"Rural doctors have told me the old DWS map system was no longer accurate and was in desperate need of an overhaul," Nash said.

"We've heard the concerns of rural communities and we're taking action. Our new system more accurately identifies communities where doctor shortages exist and better supports the recruitment of new doctors to areas in need," she said.

The new map system has been developed in consultation with doctors and regional communities, and is updated with the latest population and Medicare data.

Communities where doctor numbers have not kept pace with population growth will now be recognized in the updated DWS system.

Nash said the new DWS system would also provide greater certainty for rural, regional and remote communities.

"DWS determinations will now occur annually, rather than quarterly, giving towns where population levels fluctuate seasonally a greater certainty and stability when planning recruitment," she said. Endi