ACRRM says the growing $8.35 billion health funding gap between rural and city Australians is unacceptable and requires urgent redress.
New figures from the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) reveal healthcare spending on rural, remote, and First Nations people has fallen further behind, with the shortfall growing by $110 per person.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says it’s unacceptable that nearly a third of our nation’s population – more than 7.3 million people - are now missing out on $1,090.47 in healthcare
“This inequity can’t be ignored,” he states.
“It’s leading to higher rates of hospitalisations, chronic disease, and premature and preventable death.”
The College contends that investment in Rural Generalist (RG) training, recognition, and support through the National Rural Generalist Pathway is a financially responsible step towards bridging the inequity in health outcomes.
“RGs are the backbone of rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare.
“They provide comprehensive general practice, emergency care, and essential specialist services across community and hospital settings.
“Yet these services continue to be chronically underfunded and under-resourced,” Dr Martin adds.
“We have the solutions - what we need now is the support to progress.
“The gap is widening, and the longer it goes unaddressed, the harder it will be to close.
“If governments want healthier Australians and a stronger health system, investing in rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare is one of the smartest places to start,” Dr Martin says.