Number of GPs in rural and remote WA surpass 1000 for the first time, Mid West records 8.2% increase

The number of general practitioners working in rural and remote WA has surpassed the 1000 mark for the first time, with the Mid West seeing a substantial increase.

Recorded in Rural Health West’s newest rural GP workforce report, 1009 GPs were noted as working in rural and remote areas as of November 30, 2024, a 5.8 per cent increase from the previous year (954 in 2023). The growth of 55 GPs since 2023 is the greatest increase since 2011.

The Mid West saw an increase of 8 GPs as of November 2024 — an 8.2 per cent growth since November 2023, with 105 GPs recorded across 27 practices in the region.

The most significant overall increase was seen among resident GPs, with an additional 38 doctors, and GP registrars (7.7 per cent and 9.2 per cent respectively).

There was a significant increase in the number of female GPs recorded since 2014, with 48 per cent of the current workforce (485 female GPs) being women in 2024, compared to just 28 per cent 10 years prior.

Rural Health West chief executive officer Catherine Elliot said the although the results were promising, there was significant progress to be made.

“To have more than 1000 rural GPs practising in Western Australia for the first time is a major milestone,” Prof. Elliott said.

“However, we also know that rural and remote communities are continuing to grow, and demand for care is increasing.

“The 2024 WA Rural GP Summit identified that we’ll need at least 300 more rural GPs by 2030 so while this is a great step forward, we still have a way to go.”

The report also highlighted the continued importance of the integral International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who represent more than half (53.5 per cent) of the rural GP workforce, with a reported 67.5 per cent of new arrivals in 2024 hailing from overseas.

“International Medical Graduates are a crucial part of the rural health landscape,” Prof. Elliott said.

While the numbers represent a positive trend for rural and remote communities in WA, Prof. Elliot said it would only be sustainable if GPs felt well-supported in their roles.

“Building a strong workforce isn’t just about numbers, it’s also about making sure rural GPs have the professional support they need,” she said.

“That includes access to communities of practice, peer connection, and the latest evidence-based trends so they can deliver the highest standard of care and stay supported throughout their careers in the bush.”