Craig Zonca
A program aimed at getting medical students working in rural and remote areas will receive a funding reprieve from the Federal Government.
Federal funding for the John Flynn Placement Program (JFPP) is due to expire in December but Assistant Minister for Health, Senator Fiona Nash, has guaranteed its future for an additional six months.
“The Government really understands the need for these medical students to have regional and rural exposure,” said Senator Nash.
“I think people will be really pleased that they’ve now got that certainty over the next period of time.”
Although Senator Nash would not commit to ongoing funding for the program, she says negotiations will continue with the the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) to identify possible efficiencies in the administration of the JFPP.
ACRRM president Dr Lucie Walters welcomes the extra money but maintains the program’s success is contingent on continued Government support.
“I’m happy to take what I’m given at the moment,” said Dr Walters.
The JFPP currently places 300 medical students each year with rural doctors in communities across the country.