The Australian Medical Association has welcomed an anouncement by the federal government to fund
the training of more doctors and nurses over the next four years.
Prime Minister John Howard says a high proportion of 400 extra medical places will go to Victoria , because it has less places in comparison to the rest of the nation.
One hundred and sixty, will be specifically reserved for a new medical school in Melbourne, with the other 240 places to be divided up amongst all states and territories.
President of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal says while the move is positive, more planning and funding is needed.
"What we do need however for this to work is for there to be an addressing of capacity in terms of academic people to teach, but most importantly once the students qualify there needs to be proper provision for their specialist training."
The decision to allocate many of the places to Victoria has raised criticism from other states.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, says Victoria is receiving preferential treatment with the decision.
Opposition spokeswoman for health, Julia Gillard has called the announcement inadequate.
Ms Gillard says the health system needs greater funds to cope with an increasing demand on resources.
"Today's announcement whilst welcome isn't going to fix that crisis. We are still going to be short of doctors, we are still going to be short of nurses."