The wider north-west coast region is set to benefit from the introduction of a new rural medical school program being run at the University of Tasmania in Burnie.
Under the Multidisciplinary Training program backed by the federal government, an extra 20 medical students will receive training at the facility each year.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride said the program producing additional graduates will play a “critical role” in improving the health outcomes for Tasmania.
“At full capacity there will be 100 students studying medicine in Burnie,” she said.
“We know training healthcare professionals locally is the most secure path to more stable workforce in the regions.”
The Australian Government is footing the bill for 10 placements, with the University covering remaining 10.
A $8.5 million investment from the federal government will go towards new medical classrooms, equipment and facilities at the University as part of a wider nationwide $90 million investment.
The University of Tasmania has received $30.9 million in funding to deliver the program from 2022 to 2024.
