More support is given to New Zealand medical graduates training to become general practitioners as the government continues its push to get more doctors into communities.

“Growing the number of GPs is vital so we can fill today’s gaps and make sure we’ve got the doctors we need in the future. So finding different ways of providing training is essential,” Health Minister Andrew Little said in Auckland on Tuesday.

As part of a wider health workforce announcement, the government would increase the number of GPs trained in New Zealand each year from 200 to 300.

GPs would be paid as much as their hospital counterparts under the package, Mr Little said, adding that trainee GPs have been paid less than their hospital counterparts, and it is the biggest barrier to young doctors going into general practice.

The government also makes it easier for overseas-trained doctors to come to New Zealand, register, and practise.

He said these measures would increase the number of GPs working in the communities to keep New Zealanders healthy and out of the hospital. 

(Xinhua/NAN)