The Royal College of Australian and New Zealand Radiologists (RANZCR) is urging the Federal Government to provide millions of dollars to help secure more radiologists in rural and regional Australia.
As part of its pre-budget submission, RANZCR has asked the Federal Government to invest $4.1m in its Regional and Rural Training Pathway (RRTP).
The RRTP was created by RANZCR to train more radiologists and radiation oncologists in non-urban areas.
The $4.1m would pay for the continued training of five doctors already treating patients in regional Australia and two new positions for indigenous trainees.
The five trainees who would benefit are working at hospitals in Ballarat, Hobart, Port Macquarie and Townsville and were hired as part of the pilot RRTP.
RANZCR President Professor John Slavotinek said: “We created the RRTP to develop a sustainable solution that supports the long-term appeal and viability of rural and regional practice.
“For the RRTP to reach its full potential we need continued funding from the Federal Government and that’s why we have requested $4.1m in our pre-budget submission.
’There is a severe maldistribution of medical imaging and radiation oncology specialities in non-metropolitan locations.
“The $4.1m would help secure the continued training of five doctors from the pilot RRTP and improve health equity in indigenous communities by the hiring of two new trainees from that background.
“It is clear that there is a desire by junior doctors to train and work in rural and regional Australia with our pilot RRTP inundated with applications.
“By continuing to fund the RRTP, the government can help boost the regional and rural workforce, address current shortfalls in clinical radiology and radiation oncology and significantly improving patient access to vital diagnostic and cancer services.”
In addition to extra funding for the RRTP, RANZCR has also requested in its pre-budget submission for further support for brachytherapy services and the removal of restrictions on all MRI machine licences.
Source: RANZCR
