New Zealand sees gains in Māori representation in this sector

The number of practising doctors in New Zealand increased by 2.9% in 2022, according to the latest Medical Workforce report, with significant gains observed in Māori and female doctors. The report revealed that the total number of doctors on the register with practising certificates in 2022 is at 18,780, up from the previous 18,247.

Māori doctors made up 4.6% of the total, or 872 doctors, according to the report, the "highest proportion observed to date." There are also 417 Pasifika doctors recorded. Dr. Curtis Walker, chair of the Medical Council of New Zealand, lauded the progress of the country's medical schools at undergraduate and graduate levels in increasing the number of Māori and Pasifika doctors. However, he noted that the country has "much work to do" for these under-represented groups.

"Key findings show that while Māori and Pasifika doctors are increasing, there is still much more work to do to achieve a more proportional workforce. Māori and Pasifika remain noticeably under-represented compared to their proportion of the population," Walker said.

Women to outpace men doctors

Meanwhile, the report also found that the number of women doctors will surpass that of male doctors by 2025, citing their increase from 46.6% in 2021, to 47.4% in 2022.

"It's pleasing to see that this is supported by council's registration data, showing (as of 30 June), 47.7% of doctors on the register with a current practising certificate are women," Walker said. "It is very important that the medical profession reflects the demographics of the communities it serves."

The country is also retaining more graduates than it used to, after 90% of graduates from 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 cohorts were retained for five years after initial registration.

"It's pleasing to see Aotearoa is retaining more of our own graduates than we used to," Walker said. "However, the pressures on the medical workforce remain. We need to retain as many of our graduates as possible, as the future leaders and practitioners in our health system."

The report comes as the healthcare sector suffers from the weight of the pandemic. Early this year, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists called on the government to provide better pay and working conditions as healthcare workers struggle from burnout and anxiety.