Government push for rural doctors

The Government since 2009 had funded 170 extra medical school places.

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced there will be an additional 34 places for students next year at medical schools, including more positions earmarked for rural students.

"Research shows that students who grew up in rural areas are more likely to go back and work in those areas. These extra places will help encourage more doctors to work in our rural communities," Mr Ryall said.

"Since 2009, this Government has now funded 170 extra medical school places.

"The funding of these additional medical places is part of the $18 million the Government made available for post-graduate education and training of doctors in this year's Budget," said Mr Ryall.

Half of the positions will be offered to rural students through the Regional and Rural Admissions Scheme at the University of Auckland and the Rural Sub Category at the University of Otago.

The other 17 places will be offered to students through the universities' other application routes.

Auckland University will increase the number of students on its Regional and Rural Admissions Scheme from 40 to 52 from 2015. Meanwhile, Otago University has increased its number from 50 to 55 from the same year.

"There are record numbers of doctors and nurses working in our public hospitals and we are committed to continuing to increase the number of frontline health staff," said Mr Ryall.

Latest Ministry of Health data from March 2014 showed 7518 doctors and 21,598 nurses are employed by district health boards - over 1500 more doctors and 3200 more nurses than in 2008.