He and business partner, Doctor Hassan, will operate a 10-room service on Rankin Street six days a week.

The air conditioned practice will have a room for pathology and a full time registered nurse. 

There are consultation rooms for up to seven doctors, depending on demand for services.

Dr Rahman said it was his goal to open a practice in rural NSW and although it was a huge investment, the partners were looking forward to serving the people of Forbes.

“After some searching I found people here were waiting a long time to see a doctor. That inspired me,” Dr Rahman said.

Dr Rahman has 20 years experience as a medical practitioner, with 10 of those years spent in Australia.

“I also have a lot of experience with Aboriginal health,” he said. 

That experience would allow the practice to provide specialised services if they were needed, Dr Rahman said, but the focus of Inland Medical Centre would be to serve the entire community.

The doctor said Forbes’ attractive location and features were a bonus for him.

“In particular, the lake. It’s spectacular.”

Also joining the service is former local lady, Jeanie Fordham, who recently moved back to the area.

Ms Fordham said she moved to the coast 40 years ago after living in Forbes but recently moved to Eugowra for family reasons. She has worked as a nurse for over 17 years.

Dr Rahman said he plans to bring specialists to the practice, possibly every month, to provide diabetic, neurological and other hard-to-reach services. 

Bulk billing will be offered to needy patients and those who are prepared to join the practice.