During the meeting, the chair of the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC), Associate Professor Sanjay Jeganathan, expressed strong support for the government’s initiatives to boost medical workforce numbers, particularly in rural and regional areas. Key among these initiatives is the introduction of eight new medical school programs, including a new school in Darwin, aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of northern Australia. The CPMC also highlighted the critical importance of a balanced approach to achieving both short-term and long-term goals in healthcare workforce planning, ensuring that immediate actions do not compromise the overall objective of better healthcare outcomes for all Australians.
The discussion also focused on the role of Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) in addressing specialist shortages, particularly in rural areas. Associate Professor Jeganathan emphasised that while an expedited pathway for SIMGs is being considered, it is unlikely to fully resolve regional shortages without significant funding and support. The CPMC reiterated its commitment to working closely with regulators and the government to streamline SIMG processes while maintaining the high standards of care expected in Australia.
The meeting underscored the need for collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure that the growing demand for healthcare services is met effectively, without compromising patient safety.