Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been accused of making a "calamitous captain's call" for deciding to throw his support behind a plan to set up another Australian medical school.

Medical groups are furious the federal government will help fund the new Curtin University medical school in Perth, saying it is part of a cynical bid to shore up softening Coalition support in Western Australia.

Medical groups are furious Tony Abbott has decided to help fund a new medical school. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Abbott flew to Perth on Saturday ahead of an announcement about federal support early on Sunday. Fairfax Media understands Mr Abbott will pledge millions of dollars for the project.

Colin Barnett's WA government has long been in favour of the plan but consecutive federal health ministers have been cool on it.