Alarms are being raised over a shortfall in programmes aimed to lift medical school enrolment for under-served groups.

A study in today's New Zealand Medical Journal has found Otago University's initiatives have lifted Māori, Pacific, and rural enrolments over the last 30 years.

However, the number of students in health courses from poorer backgrounds hasn't actually increased.

Otago University's Public Health Professor Peter Crampton told Kerre Woodham they shouldn't be missing out.

He says efforts should be made to ensure everyone can make use of tertiary education opportunities.

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