THE number of GPs working in Scotland has risen, according to official statistics.
Figures published by ISD Scotland show the number has increased by 55 on last year to a total of 5049.
Women accounted predominantly for the rise in GP numbers, making up 61% (3079) of the total number of GPs in Scotland.
There has been little change in the number of male GPs since last year, who make up 39% of the total.
Just under a third (32%) of GPs are aged 50 and over – down from a high of 34% in 2014.
READ MORE: More doctors enter training and fewer specialist posts unfilled
The Scottish Government has previously outlined its pledge to increase the number of GPs, with the headcount having remained roughly constant at around 4900 between 2009 and 2017.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the Scottish Government would be investing £250 million in direct support of general practice.
“Today’s figures show a record high number of GPs employed in Scotland and we are looking to grow the workforce further to account for changing working practices and increased demand on primary care services,” she said.
“There are more GPs per head in Scotland than the rest of the UK and this year we’ve seen the highest number of GP speciality training posts filled since 2015.
“By the end of this parliament we’ll be investing an additional £500m per year into Primary Care, including £250m in direct support of general practice.”
Despite the increase in the number of practising GPs, Labour spokeswoman Monica Lennon said the NHS was facing a “workforce crisis”. She said: “GPs are the front line of our NHS but primary care is still not getting the investment it needs.”
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