As a not-for-profit the Katherine based Aboriginal Medical Service has been established to deliver a culturally competent service that closes the gap in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of the Katherine region.

Wurli said its efforts must remain focused on this central objective.

Wurli's CEO Suzi Berto said it was highly important to find a solution to the health service gap created by Gorge Health's decision to close.

That job has fallen to the Northern Territory Primary Health Network which says it is looking to set up an interim clinic in Katherine but is struggling to find any doctors to staff it.

More reading: Sad day as Gorge Health closes.

"We continue to work alongside the NT Primary Health Network and the Top End Health Service to find a suitable solution for the entire Katherine Community," Ms Berto said.

"We hear, acknowledge and understand residents when they ask us to help fill this service gap but we are limited by our staffing capacity, our service delivery policies and our funding arrangements," she said.

"Wurli's core principles are not aligned with running a long-term private practice business model for the entire community," she said.

Dr Megan Cope, Wurli's senior medical officer, said Wurli's current resources are stretched in the delivery of services to their current clients.

"It is fundamental that Wurli remains committed to its core objectives as the gap in life expectancy outcomes for Aboriginal people in Katherine remains significant.

"We too are committed to recruiting and retaining more GPs for the town of Katherine," she said.

Katherine residents are encouraged to consider Wurli's Client Eligibility Criteria as there are some instances where non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals can access Wurli's services.

Katherine residents are also encouraged to utilise TeleHealth services.

Late today, the NT PHN said it encouraged people to contact HealthNow 8am to 6pm weekdays at a cost of $79. Telephone 1800 931 165. They also operate an after hours service (which is free).

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