Uralla Shire Council has been invited to take part in the NSW Rural Doctors Network bush bursary and Country Women’s Association scholarship program this year.

The program would see a medical student work alongside local medical practitioners over two weeks.

In a Council meeting, councillor Robert Bell said Uralla medical practices should be approached prior to an agreement to see if there is support for the program.

“I suggest the general manager approach the two medical practices in Uralla to determine their support, including financial assistance for the scholarship program prior to Council determining their support or otherwise,” he said.

The cost of the program to Council is $3000 with an additional $1600 for accommodation.

NSW Rural Doctors Network students have indicated a high proportion of scholarship recipients begin their careers in non-metropolitan areas.

More than 40 per cent spend up to two or three years as junior rural doctors.

Councillor Mark Dusting said he completely supported the recommendation in a meeting of council.

“This is a very important situation, we have currently, luckily, two medical facilities in Uralla because our doctors support it,” he said.

“Without doctors coming to replace them in the future – without students coming to learn what it’s about and what it’s like in these little country town practices, they will stick to the cities where there are more patients available to them.

“When you get into a country area you have to be the doctor for that community, this is a way this Council can promote our community to get better medical facilities.”

Uralla Shire Council has until May 5 to make a decision.