Foreign-trained doctor numbers up in rural areas

                                                                                         

A rural doctor says the shortage of health professionals in Queensland is so bad in some towns that foreign-trained practitioners now make up between 50 and 100 per cent of the workforce.

Figures from the Department of Immigration show that in the nine months to March the number of health and community workers entering Queensland on 457s or skilled workers' visas, was 550 higher than for the same period last year.

It is also the highest increase across all sectors.

Past president of the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland, Christian Rowan, says areas outside the south-east corner are experiencing the greatest problems.

"The workforce shortages in regional and remote areas have become more apparent and worse over the last decade," he said.

Dr Rowan says he believes the numbers of foreign-trained doctors will continue to rise especially in regional Queensland.

He says overseas workers are vital to many communities, but says more needs to be done to address the declining number of health professionals being trained in Australia.

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