The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) has joined other stakeholders in urging all political parties to commit to take action to improve prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease.
ACRRM President, Assoc Prof Ruth Stewart, said that rheumatic heart disease can have a devastating impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and rural and remote communities in particular.
“In spite of the fact that it is an entirely preventable illness, Australia has one of the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease in the world. Where I live and work in the Torres Strait we have Australia’s highest rates of Rheumatic Heart Disease. When diagnosed, the disease requires an intensive treatment regime that demands strong continuity of care. Rheumatic heart disease can cause serious debility in young people It can even result in premature death,” said A/Prof Stewart.
“There is a combination of factors, including lack of access to health care; a high workforce turnover, failure of process and reliance on locum or fly-in fly-out services; Poor socio-economic circumstances contribute to the high incidence and impact of this disease,” she said.
“This issue is very relevant to our College, its members and the communities in which they live and work. We welcome the opportunity to bring it to the attention of our elected representatives and to highlight its impact nationally.
Assoc Prof Stewart said that the annual Rural Medicine Australia conference, which is currently underway in Darwin, would include a focus on Indigenous Health.
“The College is committed to working to eliminate the scourge of rheumatic heart disease, both through the education and professional development it provides for its registrars and members; and through partnerships with other stakeholders.”
Find out more about the conference Rural Medicine Australia conference here.