THIS National Rural Health Month, the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) is celebrating healthcare success stories, and raising awareness of healthcare issues facing rural, regional, and remote communities in Australia.
The Alliance also wants to bring attention to the challenges that those Australians face in accessing adequate healthcare.
"Rural, regional, and remote communities experience poorer health outcomes compared to urban populations," NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen (pictured) said.
"National Rural Health Month spotlights stakeholders working toward practical and sustainable healthcare solutions for rural Australians," she added.
One key issue highlighted is the funding disparity: rural Australians receive $848 less in healthcare funding per person annually, translating to a $6.55 billion national shortfall.
This gap exists despite rural industries generating around 80% of Australia's exports and producing about 90% of its fresh food.
Rural Australians face a triple health disadvantage: limited access to services, higher healthcare costs, and socioeconomic challenges, leading to poorer health outcomes.
Despite these obstacles, rural communities across the country are known for their resilience and innovative approaches to healthcare, Tegen concluded. JG
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