Rural health boost

The Coalition Government should be commended for signing a memorandum of understanding with the University of Waikato last week.

Despite some parties’ opposition to the project, stats also tell us many GPs are planning to retire in the next 10 years, which will particularly impact provincial and rural communities already experiencing New Zealand’s biggest doctor shortages.

The Government has made it clear to the critics- the proposed third medical school will have a focus on primary care. The needs of rural areas will be taken into consideration and the Government envisages a fouryear graduate entry programme, instead of the existing six-year programs.