Doctors increase but fewer GPs

Peter Foley

An ageing workforce and a preference among new doctors to specialise is causing a drop in GP numbers.

According to the latest Medical Council survey, the number of GPs in the country has fallen by about 5 per cent since 2000 - bolstering claims that primary healthcare is headed for a crisis if the trend continues.

While the ranks of doctors in active employment has steadily increased, GP numbers fell from 3166 in 2000 to 3013 in 2004. Conversely, the number of specialists rose from 2653 in 2000 to 2946 in 2004.

The mean age for all doctors also rose to 44 years, from 43 the year before, signalling that overall, the medical workforce is ageing.

There are 73 GPs for every 100,000 New Zealanders, although the distribution varies. A ratio of 1 fulltime GP for every 1400 patients has been used as a benchmark, which equates to about 71 GPs for every 100,000 people. Using it as a guide, 11 of the country's 21 district health boards fall short.

While not directly comparable, the UK in 2003 had about 65 GPs for every 100,000 people, and Australia had 111 GPs per 100,000 in 2002.

The survey also found that 10 territorial authorities, including Waikato and South Waikato, had less than 50 GPs for 100,000 people. Auckland's four largest territorial authorities were a mixed bag, with North Shore City having 65 GPs per 100,000, Waitakere 53, Manukau 58, and Auckland City 91.

GP Council chairman Dr Peter Foley said doctors were increasingly opting for subspecialisation, which offers more "financial, lifestyle and professional rewards" than general practice.

The present system rewarded doctors for the number of procedures they perform, but not for their role in helping prevent disease, said Dr Foley.