Rural Doctors Welcome Recognition Of Rural And Regional Health By Rudd Government, Australia

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 16 Jun 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) says the establishment of the new Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery portfolio and the appointment of Warren Snowdon MP as the new Minister is recognition of the significant problems that Australians who live in the bush have in accessing health care services.

Australians who live in rural and remote areas suffer from poorer health outcomes compared to their city counterparts. They live shorter lives, have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, poorer cancer survival rates, higher suicide rates and many find it difficult to access even basic health services.

"The Rudd government‟s recognition of regional and rural health as a separate portfolio is very welcome by rural Australia and the RDAA looks forward to working with the Minister Snowdon to continue the work that has started in addressing the health disadvantages suffered by families who live in the bush" RDAA CEO, Steve Sant, said.

"Having a Minister who lives the bush and understands the problems that communities face in accessing quality health care will be a great advantage for rural communities.

"We also welcome the additional recognition that indigenous health has received in this ministerial reshuffle. It is well known that there is a 17 year life expectancy gap and around 69% of indigenous people live in regional, rural and remote Australia. Rural doctors are committed to working to „close the gap‟ and working with other health professionals and indigenous communities to provide better health care services to indigenous Australians."

Source
Rural Doctors Association of Australia