Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 30, 2024
The Government has announced that the initial cost-benefit analysis for the establishment of a third medical school, based at the University of Waikato, has been completed and yielded positive results.
The analysis has provided enough confidence for the project to proceed to the next phase, which will involve a full business case evaluation.
Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti, who has been leading the proposal, said that the progress is promising, but there is still more to be examined before any final decisions are made.
Addressing workforce crisis
In a statement, Dr Reti emphasised the urgency of training more health professionals domestically to address the increasing strain on New Zealand’s healthcare system.
“New Zealanders have been facing longer and longer delays in accessing healthcare, and tackling our workforce crisis is key to solving that issue,” Dr Reti said.
He also highlighted the specific challenges faced by rural and provincial communities, which are expected to be disproportionately affected as many General Practitioners (GPs) approach retirement over the next decade.
“Many GPs are planning to retire in the next 10 years, which will particularly impact provincial and rural communities already experiencing New Zealand’s biggest doctor shortages,” Dr Reti added.
The proposed third medical school, which would offer a four-year graduate-entry program, is being designed with a strong focus on rural, primary, and community care.
Dr Reti noted that the Ministry of Health will continue working closely with the University of Waikato to ensure the best training model is developed.
Detailed business case to follow
While the cost-benefit analysis is seen as a positive step forward, Dr Reti explained that a more detailed business case will now be developed to assess all aspects of the project in greater detail.
He said, “A detailed business case, in addition to the full CBA [Cost-Benefit Analysis], is the appropriate vehicle to answer these questions. We will take time to consider the needs of rural areas.”
The next steps will involve continued collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the University of Waikato, with further announcements expected once the business case is completed.
For many aspiring medical students, the prospect of a third medical school is a beacon of hope.
Ritesh Kumar, a medical aspirant from Te Awamutu, expressed his enthusiasm and said, “A new medical school could increase our chances of staying in New Zealand for training, especially for those of us who are interested in working in rural areas where the need is greatest. This could really change the game for future medical professionals.”
The timeline for further announcements remains uncertain, but the government has assured the public that thorough planning and evaluation will be prioritised to ensure the best outcomes for New Zealand’s healthcare system.Bottom of Form
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
