As Australians, we pride ourselves on our healthcare system, which has long been a cornerstone of our society, offering care and support to those in need. However, recent developments suggest that the very fabric of this system is under strain, with potential consequences for the affordability and accessibility of healthcare for all, particularly for those over 50 who often rely on it the most.
The federal government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, made a bold election promise to increase the availability of bulk billing, a system where doctors bill Medicare directly and patients are not charged for their visit. This promise is now facing significant challenges due to a critical shortage of general practitioners (GPs) across the nation and the immense pressure on the Medicare system.
Local doctors’ surgeries, especially in regional areas, are feeling the pinch. In the picturesque town of Beechworth, Victoria, the situation has become so dire that a medical centre has offered a $1,000 reward for assistance in finding new doctors. Co-owner David Dart’s struggle to recruit even from overseas highlights the severity of the issue. ‘We’ve had to resort to going to recruit from the United Kingdom and unfortunately we’ve got the same barriers over there with a few people who are interested in coming to Australia and want to go to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane,’ he shared.
The root of the problem may lie in the stringent university admissions process for medical schools. Aspiring doctors face an uphill battle, with extremely high academic requirements limiting the number of students who can pursue a career in medicine. Claire Zhou’s experience of taking multiple undergraduate courses to qualify for medical school highlights the demanding nature of the process. ‘I took one year of the foundation program of Sydney University and I took like biochemistry, physics to get into the medical course, it was kind of difficult, but I get it,’ she said.
With only about 3,800 students studying to become doctors in Australian universities this year and thousands of qualified students missing out due to the high Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirements, the bottleneck is evident. While universities offer alternative pathways and incentives for those willing to work in regional Australia, the question remains whether this is enough to meet the growing demand for GPs, particularly as our population ages.
The federal government’s promise to make nine out of ten doctor visits bulk billed is a noble one, but it’s a promise that seems increasingly difficult to fulfil without a sufficient number of GPs. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare’s call for universities to look beyond academic marks and consider the individual’s desire to care for people is a step in the right direction. After all, the qualities that make a good doctor extend far beyond academic prowess.
The Royal Australian College of General Practice concurs, acknowledging the rigorous process and the need to make it easier for junior doctors to choose general practice as a career. The current system, with its many hurdles, may be deterring potential GPs from entering the field.
As Australia faces challenges in maintaining accessible and affordable healthcare, the ongoing GP shortage remains a key factor influencing the future of medical services, particularly for those who rely on bulk billing. The response to this issue involves multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, universities, and healthcare professionals.
Have you experienced difficulties accessing a bulk-billing GP? What are your thoughts on the current challenges facing the healthcare system? Share your insights in the comments below.
Also read: The major parties want 9 in 10 GP visits bulk billed by 2030. Here’s why we shouldn’t aim for 100%
It is a pity that immigrant health staff do not seem to have had to abide equivalent qualifications to enter medical training. At a recent stay at a Perth hospital I had to wait 90 mins to be attended by the ward staff, there were a minority of who were good.