THE Nambucca Valley, like many rural areas across Australia, is facing a critical shortage of general practitioners (GPs).
Macksville Medical Centre has responded by welcoming two new doctors to the region, aiming to improve access to local healthcare and reduce the strain on residents forced to travel long distances for appointments.
Australia is currently short around 2,400 full-time equivalent GPs, according to the Department of Health.
That number is projected to rise to 8,900 by 2048, with regional and rural communities expected to be the hardest hit.
In the Nambucca Valley, the situation is already being felt.
The Healthy North Coast Health Needs Assessment 2025–28 reports that for every full-time GP in the region, there are over 1,100 patients.
This has led to difficulty securing appointments, longer wait times, and an increase in lower urgency Emergency Department visits – 55 percent in the Nambucca Valley compared to 48 percent across NSW.
“Attracting general practitioners to rural communities is a significant challenge,” Casey Shorter, Practice Manager at Macksville Medical Centre told News Of The Area.
“Having new permanent GPs for our community will have an enormous impact.”
To meet the demand, Dr Muhammad Rafiq Azam joined the practice in May, and Dr Ricki Kimbell will begin in mid-July.
Together, they bring more than 50 years of combined experience in general practice and will work alongside existing GPs Dr Omotayo Lawal and Dr Sangita Khobragade.
Dr. Azam has over 25 years of experience working in several countries and is practicing in Australia for the first time.
“General practice plays a vital role in regional communities,” Dr Azam told NOTA.
“I’m delighted to be joining Macksville Medical Centre and look forward to making a meaningful impact.”
Dr Kimbell, originally from the UK, trained as a nurse before becoming a doctor.
She has been a GP since 2001 and has special interests in family medicine, preventative care, diabetes, mental health and urgent care.
According to Luke Elias, Director of Primary Health Programs and Partnerships at Healthy North Coast, the appointments are a welcome development.
“Demand for GP services continues to grow,” he said.
“Having new GPs starting will improve access to local medical care in the Nambucca Valley.”
By Mick BIRTLES
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