With the Federal election looming, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) calls on the major parties to commit to addressing the ongoing disparity in health outcomes for rural and remote Australians.
College President Dr Ewen McPhee says people living outside urban areas deserve to hear strategies for rural general practice and primary care, mental health, digital health, infrastructure and medical training before they vote this Saturday.
“People living in rural and remote communities have higher rates of chronic disease and mortality, poorer access to health services, and are more likely to engage in behaviours associated with poorer health, than people living in metropolitan areas,” Dr McPhee says.
“These issues, together with medical workforce recruitment and retention, need to be addressed through an approach that is considered town by town, region by region, and in partners with local communities, training institutions and government.
“We need a national rural health strategy that engages rural, remote and indigenous and other Australia communities.
“But in addition to a strategy, we need on-ground action and investment,” he adds.
The College welcomes the commitment from all major parties to a National Rural Generalist Pathway but there has been no conversation or debate on coordinated action to address mental wellbeing, digital health, cultural safety and respect, infrastructure that empowers safe communities and medical training that addresses the needs of communities.
“Rural and remote communities deserve to hear the solutions parties are putting forward to address these issues.”
“ACRRM’s election statement acknowledges and addresses major areas of concern and we are ready to work with all levels of government to work towards solutions that will result in better health outcomes. “This election is an opportunity to do this,” Dr McPhee says.
To access ACRRM’s pre-election submission, please click here.