Doctor shortage prompts 11,800-mile trips

SYDNEY, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- A British obstetrician is routinely being flown more than 11,800 miles to the Australian state of New South Wales due to a doctor shortage, an activist says.

What Women Want founder Justine Caines said rather than waste money on flying Dr. David Hodgson 11,806 miles from London, state healthcare officials should look into the practice of midwifery, the Sydney Daily Telegraph said.

"It just seems like such an expensive solution when a midwifery model of care could be developed," Caines said.

The ongoing shortage of available doctors in the region has also led to regular medical procedures being performed by Dr. Thamir Karam, who does not have full qualifications for his position.

The Telegraph said due to Karam's qualification shortcomings, the on-call obstetrician is routinely supervised by a colleague.

Dr. Ted Weaver, head of the New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said such medical efforts are questionable.

"It is wrong to suggest a person without the diploma is the same as an Australian-trained obstetrician who has gone through the college's training," he said.