James Evans says rural areas of Wales are desperately in need of more GPs.

During a question to the First Minister in the Senedd, the Brecon and Radnorshire MS said some areas are facing an “escalating crisis” in primary care services.

He said that Radnorshire has experienced “significant challenges” with funding, recruiting and retaining GPs.

That’s leading to increased workloads for existing GPs and longer waiting times for patients.

Mr Evans said: “Some practices are operating with one GP, and others are at risk of closing due to staff shortages.

“This situation compromises patient care and places additional strain on other parts of our healthcare system, including emergency services, when patients cannot see their GP.”

He asked First Minister, Eluned Morgan: “Given these pressing issues, what immediate and long-term strategy is the Welsh Government implementing to address the shortage of GPs in rural areas?

“How does the Government plan to make these positions more attractive to new and existing practitioners?

“What support is being given to ensure that we've got GP services in these communities in the future?

“The Welsh Government talks a good game about providing funding for GPs, but on the ground, it doesn't seem to be coming through.”

Ms Morgan said that every month, 1.5 million people in Wales are getting to see their GPs.

She said: “That's the equivalent of half the population of Wales, so somebody is getting a service somewhere.

“I recognise that not everyone's getting a perfect service and that there's more to do.

“But the over half the population equivalent is not a bad figure, and I pay tribute to the incredible work that our GPs are undertaking. We've seen a 13 per cent increase in the number of salaried GPs in Wales.

“You want us to recruit more. Well, we may be able to recruit more if you allowed us to try to recruit from abroad, but your leader doesn't want us to do that.

“You do have to decide which side you're on in relation to providing public services.”

After the session, Mr Evans said: “GPs are the backbone of our NHS, and rural communities deserve equal access to care. Without urgent action, we risk losing these vital services altogether.”

Earlier in the session, Mabon ap Gwynforhad MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd also raised the issue of GP funding, asking whether a £100 million investment recently announced for GP surgeries in England would result in extra money for Wales through the Barnett formula. He also asked what representations the Welsh Government had made to Westminster.

The First Minister said the Welsh Government had already invested heavily in GP services, including an extra £52 million for general practice this year.

She added that a significant fund is in place to support the development of surgeries across Wales, which totals “a lot more than £100 million.”

In 2024-25, the Welsh Government allocated over £1.1 billion to health boards to invest in four primary care services: general medical services, community pharmacy, dental, and ophthalmic care.