NSW is suffering from a GP shortage, with the state’s 8% increase in trainee registrars this year falling far behind the national increase of 19.8%.

The shortage has made it harder for people across the state to get the medical care they need, with many in regional areas having to travel long distances or wait for months for an appointment.

Communities are struggling to cope with the lack of regular healthcare, and there are calls for greater funding to encourage GP’s to work outside metropolitan areas.

While the Royal Flying Doctor Service makes up for the state’s shortfall in GP numbers for large sections of outback NSW, there are still many communities that miss out on vital healthcare.

Image: The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been providing healthcare to outback communities since 1928. Image: Shutterstock – myphotobank.com.au

Produced By: Oliver Rodden

Featured In Story: Dr Michael Wright President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

First aired on The Wire, Sunday 2 February 2025