Health Minister says rural health in Australia is in a dire state

An audit of regional and rural Australia's health workforce has revealed that the 'bush' has become increasingly reliant on overseas-trained doctors to ensure health services are maintained.

The audit report has found that the proportion of overseas-trained doctors in Australia's rural health sector is above the national rate of 36 per cent and there are still not enough doctors in the bush to meet current needs.

Experts say the situation will only worsen as the aging population grows.

The Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon says rural health in Australia is in a dire state and the audit shows the disparities between rural and regional Australia and urban Australia, which would be even worse without the overseas-trained doctors.

The Minister says overseas trained doctors working in rural doctors areas must be provided with the proper support and Australian graduates must be given incentives to work in these areas.

Ms Roxon says an Office of Rural Health within the Department of Health and Ageing will be established in order to reform the rural health sector.

While around 60 programs already exist within different federal departments aimed at recruiting health professionals to regional Australia, they are based on population statistics which are 17 years out of date.

The audit also found that rural and remote Australia has struggled with experienced doctor shortages for years which are worst among GPs, obstetricians, gynaecologists and dentists.

The audit also found that any increase in doctors has not kept pace with rises in rural populations.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has welcomed the audit and says Australia's health system, has been under pressure and is increasingly feeling the pinch.

The AMA says investment in health care is an investment in the future of the nation and all Australians must be able to access the health care they need, when they need it.

The AMA says the Government must now provide enough post-graduate training placements to guarantee the delivery of more Australian trained doctors into the work force.

Dr. Rosanna Capolingua, president of the AMA says resources and infrastructure need to be put in place to ensure that today's student doctors will get the experience they need and the AMA's Budget Submission promotes measures that support quality health care for all Australians, including Indigenous Australians and those living in rural and remote areas.

The AMA Federal Budget Submission 2008-09 also calls for significant government investment in public hospitals, for general practice nurses, aged care services, primary prevention and the prevention of smoking, and alcohol abuse.

Ms Roxon has also promised $6 million for existing rural clinical schools and rural heath departments at universities.