A leading GP says younger doctors are not willing to enter general practice because of concerns about the quality of life it provides.
Dr. Ilona Duffy also believes medical students aren't opting to become GPs because of the lack of a stable income.
Her comments come after a report released yesterday estimated that the shortage of GPs could be as high as 1,380 by 2025.
Dr. Duffy says it's also becoming increasingly difficult for GPs to get cover.
"It's probably worse since Covid for many GPS and many are reporting that they haven't been able to take holidays, annual leave sick leave, maternity leave because of the shortage of GP locums. So in general practice if you want to take time out of your practice, you must replace yourself, you can't just close up shop, you have to put a doctor to do your work. And unfortunately, we're seeing a huge shortage in the number of those locum doctors available."
