A new deal is hoped to help attract new GPs to regional Australia, with the four-year arrangement offering greater recognition, remuneration and support for rural doctors.
The SA Health Rural GP Agreement, which roles out in February through to 2028, includes an increase of 3 per cent in pay as well as an extension on incentive payments.
The rural attraction payment of up to $50,000 for new GPs has been expanded with $10,000 payments available for an additional 32 country towns, often in peri-urban areas, such as Mount Pleasant, as well as larger regional centres, like Renmark, Millicent, Penola, Clare, Crystal Brook and Wallaroo.
This is in addition to a $5000 recognition given to each present GP signing on to the new arrangement to acknowledge their service and ongoing commitment to SA's rural and regional communities.
A new Non-Clinical Engagement Plan will also allow GPs to be remunerated for a broad range of non-clinical commitments such as teaching, training, supervision, regional Local Health Network meetings and other essential hospital-based activities.
More than 330 rural GPs and GP registrars are currently contracted by SA Health to deliver medical services in rural and regional hospitals, often in addition to their own private practices.
Rural Doctors' Association of SA president and rural GP Bill Geyer said it was pleasing this agreement was able to happen in such a timely fashion.
"GPs in rural areas are the vital backbone of the medical workforce for regional communities," he said.
"We believe that this contract will see a brighter future for GPs who live and work in rural and regional areas, with the new agreement providing more support and recognition of their critical role.
"We hope that this new contract will attract more GPs to come and enjoy the rewards of SA's rural and regional lifestyle."
The agreement has been negotiated between the South Australian branch of the Australian Medical Association, the RDASA and the Rural Support Service, on behalf of SA Health's six regional local health networks.
Health Minister Chris Picton said this four-year deal would provide security for regional doctors.
"It also provides peace of mind to people who live in regional SA to know that their local doctor is being looked after for the incredible role they play in the community," he said.
"Combined with the capital works going on across regional hospitals and our For Work, For Life Incentives, this agreement demonstrates that there has never been a better time for GPs choosing to make a tree or sea change to a regional area."
AMA(SA) president and rural GP John Williams said it was particularly pleasing to have recognition and facility within the agreement to pay rural doctors to provide supervision and training for junior doctors in the regions.
"This ensures the next generation of doctors will learn and understand what it means to serve our communities as rural generalists, and with this foundation are more likely to stay in the regions to pursue rural medicine as a career," he said.
"The sustainability and growth of rural communities depends on the healthcare that families and individuals know they will receive in these communities."
