WA health system unwell

Commissioned by Curtin University, the independent report details Western Australia as having the lowest number of medical practitioners per capita compared with every other state and territory.

Curtin University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling confirmed a current shortage of 950 doctors and said the report, which follows on from the 2014 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, recommended an increase in medical student numbers to tackle the problem.

“In response to the report, the university proposes to commence the Curtin Medical School with a cohort of 70 students and progressively grow to meet the needs of the WA community,” he said.

But Jessica Dean, President of the Australian Medical Students’ Association said growing student numbers wasn’t