The lobby group representing four “GP-friendly” after-hours deputising services says the sector is struggling to recruit and retain doctors.

The GP Deputising Association (GPDA) backed the Federal Government’s crackdown on after-hours services that came into effect last year.

It split from the National Association for Medical Deputising Services following a dispute over whether to accept reforms proposed by the MBS Review Taskforce, which included cuts to rebates for urgent attendances, advertising bans and restrictions on prescribing.

GPDA president Dr Nathan Pinskier said the group was still supportive of the reforms but deputising services urgently needed help in recruiting and retaining after-hours doctors.