Although the quality and accessibility of Australia’s healthcare system are well known, there are several obstacles that affect its efficacy. The increasing need for general practitioners (GPs) is one of the most urgent problems. Medical staffing companies in Australia face both possibilities and challenges as a result of this increase in demand. In order to satisfy the demands of healthcare practitioners and guarantee the best possible patient care, it is essential to comprehend these dynamics.

Australia’s Current Healthcare System

The healthcare system in Australia provides comprehensive services to its residents through a combined public-private paradigm. Access to necessary medical treatments is provided by the public system, which is financed by Medicare, while individuals who choose for private health insurance have more possibilities in the private sector. Although this system guarantees a high standard of treatment, it also puts a great deal of strain on medical professionals, especially general practitioners (GPs), who are often the initial point of contact for patients.

GP demand in Australia
A number of variables impact Australia’s need for general practitioners:

Population Growth and Ageing: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were over 26 million people living in Australia as of 2023, with a sizable percentage of them being over 65. Because older persons often need more frequent and complex medical attention, the need for primary care services is increased by this ageing population.

Management of Chronic Illnesses: In Australia, the majority of fatalities are caused by chronic illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. More over one in four (29%) Australian individuals had cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to self-reported and measured statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare . One percent (182,000) fulfilled all three requirements, and seven percent (1.2 million) had at least two. Demand is further increased by the significant reliance on GPs for the management of these illnesses.

Mental Health Services: In order to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, general practitioners are essential. The need for GP services in mental health has increased due to rising awareness and diagnostic rates.

Rural and Remote Areas: Nearly 60% of Australians living in rural areas lack access to specialists in their area, while 20% of people living in remote locations lack GP services nearby, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Let’s understand the impact of rising GP demand on recruitment agencies.

Current Australian General Practitioner Staffing Trends

Australia’s GP hiring practices are changing to accommodate the rising demand in a number of significant ways:

Telemedicine: Especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, the use of telemedicine services has increased access to general practitioner care. In 2023, 25% of all GP consultations were telehealth consultations, which relieved some of the strain on in-person services.

Incentives for Rural Practice: The government provides monetary incentives and increased Medicare rebates to general practitioners who agree to practice in underprivileged areas in order to alleviate regional disparities. The goal of these actions is to balance the distribution of medical professionals.

The Needs and Prospects of Australian Healthcare

In the future, it is anticipated that Australia’s need for general practitioners would only increase. A number of changes and demands require the healthcare system to change:

Increased GP Training: A research released by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) states that by 2031–2022, Australia will have a shortfall of around 10,600 general practitioners (GPs), since the number of GPs available cannot keep up with the rising demand from the community. The demand for medical services rose by 58% in the ten years leading up to 2019 — enough to cover the workload of 10,200 full-time general practitioners. Only the equivalent of 4,200 full-time general practitioners were recruited to the workforce in the five years leading up to 2021.

Integration of Telehealth: Telehealth’s role is anticipated to grow, offering more complete treatment options and relieving pressure on conventional medical institutions.

Improved Recruitment Techniques: In order to draw in and keep GPs, recruitment firms will need to use creative techniques. This entails providing work-life balance programs, career development opportunities, and competitive pay.

Key Challenges

Despite these efforts, several GP recruitment challenges in Australia persist:

Ageing Workforce: A National Library of Medicine article from The National Centre for Biotechnology Information claims that the workforce of general practitioners has gotten considerably older. It was predicted that 43% of general practitioners and 56% of specialists will have retired between 2000 and 2025, respectively.

Recruiting New GPs: It is necessary to increase the appeal of general practice among recent medical graduates. This entails raising pay, offering chances for job advancement, and putting in place strong support networks.

Balancing Urban and Rural Supply: Reducing the gap between urban and rural GP distribution is still a major obstacle. Ensuring fair access to healthcare requires effective policies and incentives.

How Recruiting Agencies Can Benefit from IMS People Possible

We at IMS People Possible are committed to tackling these issues with customized solutions since we recognize how difficult healthcare hiring can be. In order to guarantee that healthcare facilities have access to qualified general practitioners when needed, we offer expert offshore recruitment services for both permanent and locum tenens roles. We source competent individuals from all around the world by utilizing our vast worldwide network, guaranteeing a consistent supply of healthcare experts to suit Australia’s expanding demands.

Conclusion

There are opportunities as well as challenges associated with the growing need for general practitioners in Australian healthcare. Healthcare institutions should make sure they are prepared to satisfy patient needs by comprehending these dynamics and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives. In order to help close the gap and guarantee a strong and efficient healthcare system, IMS People Possible, your healthcare staffing partner, is dedicated to assisting these initiatives through our expert offshore recruitment services.