Australian government's plan to address shortage of doctors is rejected

Medical students and doctors in Australia have angrily rejected plans by the federal government to bond newly funded medical school places to six years' service in a rural location. The 234 places at universities outside the state capitals will be offered to students who were turned down for existing medical places.

The plan, to address a shortfall of at least 700 general practitioners in country areas, has been attacked by students who claim it is conscription and doctors who believe it is little better than blackmail.

The …