The voluntary bonding scheme, which was to encourage health graduates to practice in rural areas, is working well. The scheme, which was introduced by the government three years ago, has been going strong despite the claims that it has not been able to get the desired response.

Though the scheme is doing a great job, it is said that the scheme will be reviewed this year. The scheme supports graduates to take up the job and in return they are being paid incentives. The incentives help students to repay their student loans.

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew is quite happy with the scheme and was of the view that the scheme is working well at South Canterbury. Seeing the positive response, Goodhew has registered two doctors and three nurses for the programme.

“It's fantastic that the Rangitata electorate is benefiting. We know that the longer health professionals work in our community, the more likely they are to make it their home”, said Goodhew.

In order to make sure that graduates have been getting jobs in the scheme, Goodhew has asked the Ministry of Health to provide details by which they could know the same. It is expected that a large number of graduates have got the job.