21 February 2008

Victoria needs doctors: Australia immigration could be the cure

The shortage of doctors in Victoria is reaching a critical state, according to a new report. Research from the Australian Medical Association has revealed that although the population in the area has increased greatly over the past ten years, the number of GP's has barely changed. This has prompted calls for an immediate solution, one which could be provided through Australian immigration.

Dr Mike Moynihan, president of the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria, described the crisis to The Age: "It's happening everywhere in rural and metropolitan areas. The stresses are getting so great that doctors are getting physically ill." Also revealed in the research is that by 2012 the region of Victoria will need 700 more doctors to keep up with demand. GPs are one of the professions which are found on the Australia Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL).

Victoria is one of many states which attract Australian immigration. It is found on the south-eastern corner of Australia and is the second most-populated state in the country.

Australia needs doctors: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.