Where have all the doctors gone? Changes in the geographic distribution of general practitioners in New Zealand since 1975. 1: Regional and urban-rural differences.

Despite a substantial increase in the number of general practitioners in New Zealand since 1980, only modest improvements have occurred in their distribution. Although regional variations in availability declined during the 1980s, marked regional differences continue to exist, particularly between the greater Auckland area and the rest of the country. In addition, differences between urban and rural New Zealand, once of minor importance, are also starting to increase. In view of these trends it is concluded that the reliance of policy on market based solutions may well be misplaced.