Some positive benefits that could arise from an 'over-supply' of doctors in Australia

This paper proposes that five main advantages can flow from an increase in the number of doctors in Australia. These advantages relate to: (1) improvements in the quality of clinical medical care; (2) a renewed emphasis on preventive medical care; (3) a more equitable, need-related distribution of doctors; (4) the ability of doctors to participate in regular professional up-grading programmes; and, (5) an increased capacity to participate in aid programmes within the South-East Asia region. It is argued that these positive factors should also be taken account of, along with the negative consequences, of an increase in the number of doctors in Australia.