Research highlights struggle for good health outcomes in rural areas
According to Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network’s Rural Health New Zealand Snapshot 2024, those in rural areas have poorer health outcomes than those in urban areas.
The relocation fund initiative opened on September 1 and closes on June 30, 2024. The funding is available to support internationally recruited GPs who take up a new position and/or sign an employment agreement with an eligible rural primary care practice between 1 September 2023 to 30 June 2024.
Hauora Taiwhenua chief executive Dr Grant Davidson says the announcement is welcome news for all rural general practices. He adds that being able to attract and recruit international GPs has long been a challenge for under-resourced practices in such a competitive market.
"Offering up to $20,000 (plus PAYE and 1.53% ACC Levy) paid in two lump sums over a two-year bonding period for each eligible internationally recruited GP into an eligible rural primary care practice. This funding initiative is a real and tangible boost to the sector," he says.
"We know that our rural practices, many of which are reaching burn-out, will be most thankful."
Davidson says Hauora Taiwhenua had previously discussed and advocated for such an initiative for rural general practices with Te Whatu Ora. He adds that heavily incentivised recruitment campaigns in other countries, particularly Australia, had been a concern over many months.
"This incentive really is an encouraging acknowledgement that the Government is willing to invest in the success of our campaigns to attract, recruit and retain rural GPs while we work to train our own sustainable, highly skilled, multi-disciplinary rural health workforce," Davidson says. "We are grateful to the management at Te Whatu Ora who were open to listening to our concerns and acing on them."
Te Whatu Ora is encouraging any rural primary care practice looking to recruit an international GP to visit its website for more information on how to access the funding and eligibility criteria.
More information is also available on Hauora Taiwhenua's website at: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-the-health-sector/overseas-doctors/relocation-funding-to-support-the-international-recruitment-of-rural-general-practitioners/
