World Family Doctor Day, held on 19 May is dedicated to underscoring the importance and contributions of family doctors in healthcare systems around the world.  

This year’s theme “Healthy Planet, Healthy People,” focuses on the connection between the health of the planet and the well-being of our patients. 

Our rural and remote communities already experience many disadvantages compared to their urban counterparts, and the risks posed by climate change to health threaten to exacerbate many of the health inequities experienced by those living and working in regional and rural areas. ACRRM has signed the WONCA Open letter calling on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change to safeguard the health of populations worldwide.  

Climate and health policy needs to strike a balance between ensuring safety and quality of patient care, harmonisation with existing strategies, and minimising compliance burdens on a system already under pressure. The health sector cannot solve the climate emergency in isolation, and if the sector is to succeed in the aim of net zero emissions from healthcare by 2040, health service providers and health organisations must be fully supported and funded to do so.   

 The Australian healthcare sector contributes around 7% of Australia’s total emissions and Health service organisations must be supported to deliver sustainable, adaptable, and resilient care health care. 

At ACRRM, we're incredibly proud of our dedicated RGs who are making a real difference every day. Thank you for your tireless commitment to providing quality healthcare to our rural, remote, and First Nations communities. You are the heart of our healthcare system.