Uni Debt Relief Helps Keep GPs in Rural Australia
18 Mar 2026
The program, known as Med-HELP, offers HECS debt relief to doctors who work outside major cities. A recent review found that 80% of the 400 GPs who applied stayed in rural or remote areas after the program ended.
However, the review also found that lifestyle and family reasons are more important than financial incentives when it comes to staying in the bush.
Rodney Omond, RACGP Rural Deputy Chair, said the program rules may limit its impact. He noted that doctors can only apply from their third postgraduate year, by which time many have already chosen their career path.
The review showed that 42% of GPs said the program did not influence their decision to move to a rural area, but 77% still planned to stay for more than six years.
The Med-HELP program, introduced in 2022, aims to attract doctors and nurse practitioners to rural and remote communities by reducing or clearing their HECS debt.
To qualify, GPs must work at least 24 hours a week in regional or rural areas for a set period. However, this requirement may disadvantage part-time doctors, especially women.
Dr Omond said many female doctors work part-time due to family responsibilities, and the current rules do not support their needs.
The review also found the program is not well known, with many GPs learning about it through word of mouth.
Michael Wright, RACGP President, said the program shows that financial incentives can work. He added that doctors are more likely to stay in rural areas when given support, rather than being forced through strict rules.
https://medtree.com.au/
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), newsGP