GPs haves described how “urban refugees” who move to regional Tasmania arrive with chronic health conditions placing general practice’s capacity under further pressure.

Dr Emil Djakic, a GP in Ulverstone, told a senate inquiry sitting the “stressed” healthcare system in regional Tasmania was exacerbated by a growing population of people looking for cheaper housing.

“Migration to the area, particularly of what I consider to be ‘urban refugees’ seeking more affordable housing, has brought a significant proportion of citizens carrying substantial burdens of chronic disease, further challenging our general practice capacity,” Dr Djakic said.

The nationwide inquiry into GP and primary healthcare services in regional and rural Australia was told many of the state’s regional practices could not take on new patients, and there could be a six-week wait for appointments.