ACRRM calls for further investment in addressing women’s health in rural and remote communities

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is using Women’s Health Week to highlight some of the unique health issues affecting women, particularly those living in rural, remote and First Nations communities.  

 

The week is an opportunity to raise awareness about women-specific health conditions, as well as how certain health conditions impact women differently from men. 

 

ACRRM Board Director Dr Alice Fitzgerald, a Rural Generalist (RG) specialising in obstetrics, recently presented at an inquiry into menopause, where she underscored the need for more attention and research into women’s health issues, especially in rural and remote areas. 

 

“Women’s health is often overshadowed by stigma and shame, particularly around topics like menopause, periods, and sexual health,” Dr Fitzgerald says.  

 

“These issues are even more pronounced in rural, remote and First Nations communities, where continuity of medical practitioners can be lacking, making it difficult for women to feel comfortable accessing the care they need. 

 

High quality continuity of care is dependent on there being an adequate supply of RGs and General Practitioners available to deliver this care.   

 

“The College is heartened by the increasing interest in the ACRRM Fellowship program and in rural generalism more broadly.  

 

“We are hopeful that this will ultimately improve access to services and healthcare outcomes, provided the appropriate funding models and other supports are in place; especially in respect to the funding of chronic and complex conditions such as menopause and perimenopause.  

 

“Although these issues have been recognised to some extent through the MyMedicare initiative, there is a need for funding models designed to support the challenges and complexities of rural and remote practice.” 

 

Dr Fitzgerald also points out there is a significant gap in research and resources dedicated to women’s health. 

 

 “The lack of research focused on women’s health is concerning, and it’s even more exaggerated in rural and remote areas,” she says. 

 

Dr Fitzgerald is advocating for further investment in research on conditions that affect women differently, such as heart disease, migraine, and sexual health issues.