A health commentator says it'll be over a decade before new medical school students make an impact.

If elected, Labour's promised to train an additional 335 doctors every year from 2027, with medical school numbers increasing from next year. 

National's previously announced a new medical school at Waikato University, which would provide 220 extra places by 2030. 

Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby that we need international recruitment, and Australia offering more pay isn't being acknowledged.  

He says when competing with Australia internationally, New Zealand's only advantage is not having snakes.

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A health commentator says it'll be over a decade before new medical school students make an impact.
If elected, Labour's promised to train an additional 335 doctors every year from 2027, with medical school numbers increasing from next year.  
National's previously announced a new medical school at Waikato University, which would provide 220 extra places by 2030.  
Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby that we need international recruitment, and Australia offering more pay isn't being acknowledged.   
He says when competing with Australia internationally, New Zealand's only advantage is not having snakes. 
LISTEN ABOVE

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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.