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Australian Health Ministers unit to improve rural health

Health Ministers today threw their support behind the Federal Government's Regional Health Strategy Budget investment committing to working together to break down the barriers facing rural health.

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Australian Health Ministers unite to improve rural health

Health Ministers today threw their support behind the Federal Government's Regional Health Strategy Budget investment committing to working together to break down the barriers facing rural health.

The Australian Health Ministers' Conference in Wellington agreed to establish the National Rural Health Policy Sub-committee (NRHPS) to promote the spirit of collaboration between the States and Territories, and the Commonwealth on rural health initiatives.

Speaking at the conference, Federal Health Minister, Dr Michael Wooldridge, said the key to the Regional Health Strategy was to get more doctors and better services into rural and regional Australia through a strategic, cooperative approach between the Commonwealth, and the States and Territories.

"The NRHPS will help us to work together effectively to introduce local solutions that meet the needs of rural and regional communities across Australia."

There are three key areas in the Regional Health Strategy which include a range of initiatives to:

  • Increase and strengthen the rural health professionals workforce

  • Enhance rural education and training for health professionals, and

  • Put more health services into regional Australia.
Initiatives requiring immediate State, Territory and Commonwealth collaboration include:
  • More Allied Health Services,

  • Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance,

  • Regional Health Services expansion and

  • Additional University Departments of Rural Health and Clinical Schools.
State and Territory Health Ministers said the issue of rural health was one of the most pressing concerns facing health care delivery today.

"If we are going to turn this situation around, we must join forces and make a consolidated effort. The key to improvement is delivering a seamless package rather than a collection of separate programs," said South Australian Human Services Minister and conference chair, Dean Brown.

"We are all working towards the same goal and today's decision will ensure that our efforts are complementary."

Media Contact: Serena Williams, Dr Wooldridge's office, 0411 261 627
Virginia Dove, Department of Health and Aged Care, 0411 255 229
Peter Gandolfi, Mr Brown's office, 0418 851 033