Migrant patients impacted by closure of more GP clinics across Australia

Doctor talking to patient in doctor's office

Source: Getty / Getty Images/Jon Feingersh

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More than 60 GP practices across Australia have been forced to close in the last four years, according to the largest body representing family doctors. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says the closures have been caused by a number of factors, including a lack of Medicare funding and workforce shortages. It has described the closures as an immeasurable loss for patients, particularly in multicultural communities.

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Millions of migrants and refugees around the world experience poorer health outcomes than those in their host communities, according to a report by the World Health Organization.

That's why having a reliable local GP is essential to multicultural communities in Australia.

But over the last four years, over 60 practices have closed across the country - leaving the most vulnerable without the support they need.

With a growing migrant population, the demand for multi-lingual doctors and health staff is growing.

According to the 2021 census, the number of people who used a language other than English at home increased by nearly 800 thousand, rising to over 5 point 5 million people.

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