Hundreds of rural practices brace for the IMG exodus
Dr Michael Clements says within days of the Federal Government's controversial policy change one of his doctors said she was leaving
The exodus of IMGs from rural areas appears to have begun, with the RACGP’s rural chair saying a GP at his practice on Magnetic Island, Queensland, has already handed in her resignation and left for the mainland.
Two weeks ago, the Federal Government allowed IMGs on the 10-year moratorium to work in regional centres — including Townsville and Cairns, both with populations in excess of 150,000.
The RDAA and the RACGP have condemned the policy, the product of an election pledge, suggesting it would result in practice closures in underserved communities.
Dr Michael Clements said he had no hard feelings towards his GP, who commuted by ferry to the island off the coast of Townsville.
