The Gillard Government has increased funding for maternity training for doctors that will see more obstetric and anaesthetic services and support for women in rural and remote areas.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZOG) has been selected to manage the obstetrics component of the program until 2013.

RANZOG are currently seeking applications through an application round that is currently open and will run until 1 November 2010. Further information on how to apply is available at: www.ranzcog.edu.au/gpdiploma/gpptsp.shtml

This funding, announced in the 2009-10 Federal Budget was in response to the Government's Maternity Services Review report that found there was a need to improve the choices available to pregnant women, including better access to high quality maternity services and more support for the maternity services workforce.

Under the funding, the Gillard Government is providing measures that include a $5 million initiative to allow general practitioners to complete procedural training in obstetrics and anaesthetics.

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By June 2013, 110 general practitioners in rural and remote areas will have each received $40,000 (GST exclusive) to attain either:

• the Advanced Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; or
• a statement of satisfactory completion of Advanced Rural Skills Training in Anaesthesia.

Details on the anaesthetic component of the GP Procedural Training Support Program will be announced shortly.

These initiatives form part of the Government's ongoing commitment to provide more access to health services for people living in rural and remote regions of Australia.

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