Dr Paul Bartusek’s Medicare provider number was last week abruptly terminated after 20 years of service, leaving just one full-time doctor at Baylis Street’s Wagga Medical Centre. 

He has penned an emotive letter to the Prime Minister in a desperate plea for help.

When Dr Bartusek’s provider number was “suddenly” cancelled, he was forced to immediately walk out of the practice and cancel all appointments with his clients. 

“It was humiliating for him,” wife Mary Bartusek told The Daily Advertiser.

The Wagga medical professional has been left unemployed and fretting for the wellbeing of his patients. 

“He has been at the Wagga Medical Centre for nine years so most of his patients have been seeing him for years and rely on him,” Mrs Bartusek said. 

“It’s a slap in the face after his tireless dedication to Australia’s health sector.”

Dr Barusek was working as a general practitioner under the government’s Special Approved Placements Program (SAPP) scheme, which allows doctors to continue their career as a GP until they are able to move to another workforce or training program.

The Health Department cancelled Dr Bartusek’s Medicare provider number because they were “not satisfied” with his circumstances provided. 

However, the decision came despite the Wagga man being certified as a medical practitioner by the Medical Board of Australia.

Mary Bartusek said the move has left her husband devastated. 

“He is a fully registered doctor and he has been working for 20 years so they can’t force him out of the profession because he doesn’t want to move onto further training,” 

“Being a doctor is what defines him and what has been his entire life for two decades.

“He just loves helping people.”

Mrs Bartusek, who is a nurse and midwife at the same Wagga practice, fears its future will be threatened by the loss of another qualified doctor.

“It’s going to be really difficult for the practice now,” she said.

“Who knows what will happen next.

“A lot of his patients are very elderly and it’s just not fair on them.” 

It is believed the clinic’s staff have been directed to tell Dr Bartusek’s patients he is on holidays. 

Joan Carmona, who had seen the Wagga medicine specialist on several occasions, was saddened to learn he had been forced from the practice. 

“The few times I saw him he was a fantastic and thorough doctor,” she said.

“Sometimes they’re in a rush to get you through the door – but not him.

“He’ll be missed.”

The Health Department could not be reached, but correspondence sent to the couple outlined the justification for their decision. 

“It is my view that the information you have provided does not demonstrate circumstances that prevent you from participating on a formal general practice workforce program,” it said.