Parkes MP Mark Coulton is hoping Gunnedah will benefit from the Rural Generalist Training Scheme

The Rural Generalist Training Scheme was announced last week and will seek to improve GP numbers in remote areas in the long term, by having up to 400 general practitioners train to work in regional Australia over the next four years.

It will be delivered by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is set to cost $49.7 million.

The government is hoping that giving young doctors experience outside the cities may increase their willingness to stay there or recommend it to others in their profession.

While no promises can be made as to how many of the trainees will take to country life, or where they may end up, the hope is the scheme will make at least a small difference to the towns in the most need.

"This will hopefully benefit towns like Gunnedah, which has a shortage of GPs, as it will result in more doctors that are trained and ready for bush practice," Mr Coulton said.

"The more rural generalists we can train, the more likely our regional towns will be able to attract and retain doctors."

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The Parkes MP also stated the program will support the National Rural Generalist Pathway, which is a central element of their Stronger Rural Health Strategy.

He stated it was important to have a wide range of plans in place in order to address such an important issue.

"Trying to solve rural doctor shortages in the bush is a complex issue and requires a multifaceted approach," he said.

"The Rural Generalist Training Scheme is the latest in a range of government initiatives to try to boost GP numbers in regional areas."

The program will begin in the second half of 2021, with an initial intake of 60 registrars.

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