Troubling figures released yesterday show many illnesses among rural, regional and remote Australians could have been prevented or treated better with accessible primary care, thus avoiding the need for hospitalisation.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), many parts of rural Australia have higher rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations, highlighting the need for early interventions and ongoing care, particularly for non-communicable diseases.
Unfortunately, Australia’s rural populations, which make up over 7 million people, often lack access to such preventive measures.
“We often see rural communities neglecting or putting off their health issues due to limited access to primary care, exacerbated by the tyranny of distance and cost of services. This leads to a cascade of problems, including overwhelming an already strained hospital and emergency system,” said the National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
“This brings us to consider the need to increase strategic and fit-for-purpose investment in rural health care.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/doctor-hospital-bed-delivery-labor-840127/
