KEY POINTS:
National leader John Key says his party is considering wiping medical students' loans if they agree to work as GPs in rural areas for three or four years.
Mr Key said the doctor shortage problem was something National was looking at closely as it developed health policy.
"We can't afford to be Australia's education facility, we're educating young people, they're hugely skilled, we want them in our economy.
The idea of bonding was touched on in the party's 50-page policy discussion document on health released last year which will be the basis of the party's health policy.
"I am very concerned about the number of young graduates that are completing their qualification here in New Zealand and leaving," Mr Key said this morning.
"We need them in New Zealand, we've got a GP shortage that is well acknowledged and we're not afraid to look at creative ways of maybe encouraging them to stay."
Mr Key said any scheme would be voluntary.
"There are plenty of doctors who have a student loan - they might owe $90-$100,000. The concept of them working in part of regional or rural New Zealand for three or four years to have their loan written off might be very attractive," he said.
"That's the kind of model we are considering."
National was not looking at bonding other professions right now.
"But if we've got a shortage in areas where it might make sense then it's something that can be considered."
New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) chairman Dr Peter Foley welcomed the idea.
He emphasised doctor shortages were nationwide, not just restricted to rural and regional areas, nor to GPs.
"The NZMA strongly supports the concept of service commitments linked to debt relief as a powerful tool in retaining our vital junior doctor workforce," he said.
The NZMA had advocated the approach for years but said it would only work if it was voluntary.
"It is also essential that any system addresses the debt issue comprehensively.
"It would also need to make provision for reasonable opportunities for graduate doctors to leave New Zealand for further training and study, as appropriate."
The NZMA was willing to discuss options with Labour or National.
New Zealand First Party leader Winston Peters said the idea was one of his party's policies.
- NZPA
