Australia, known for its sprawling landscapes and vibrant cities, also has vast rural and remote areas that are home to a significant portion of its population. However, these regions face a pressing healthcare crisis: a severe shortage of doctors.
This shortage not only jeopardises the health and well-being of rural Australians but also highlights broader issues within the country’s healthcare system.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare http://www.aihw.gov.au, about 30 per cent of Australians live rurally, however they are significantly under-served by healthcare professionals.
Statistics reveal that while major cities have an average of 437 full-time equivalent doctors per 100,000 people, remote areas have only 98 per 100,000.
So why are so few doctors willing to live and work rurally?
Dial The Doc telehealth practitioner, Dr Jeremy Allen, says there are several factors which contribute to the rural doctor shortage.
“Many medical professionals are concentrated in urban areas where they have access to better facilities, professional networks and the appeal of city living often outweighs the challenges of rural practice.”
Dr Allen also notes that most medical training is based in urban centres and although there are rural clinical schools and programs designed to encourage rural practice, many students still prefer to stay in cities after completing their training.
The introduction of financial incentives established by the government for doctors to practice in rural areas, while welcomed by the medical profession, have often been insufficient to counterbalance the allure of urban practice.
“Despite various government incentives, the costs associated with establishing and maintaining a rural practice can be daunting and unfortunately it is the smaller rural communities that suffer as a result,” Dr Allen said.
The shortage of doctors in rural areas has profound implications for these communities.
“Limited access to healthcare services often leads to poorer health outcomes, meaning that rural Australians have higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and mortality compared to their urban counterparts.”
“Emergency care is particularly problematic, with some remote areas lacking timely access to critical medical services,” Dr Allen said.
The mental health of rural residents is also a growing concern. The lack of mental health professionals means that many people do not receive the care they need, exacerbating issues like depression and anxiety, which are prevalent in communities facing economic and social pressures.
So, what can be done?
Dr Allen says a concerted effort by the Australian Government to provide attractive financial bonuses, scholarships for medical students who commit to rural practice and support for rural medical practices would likely see an improvement in rural shortages
“Increasing the number of rural clinical schools and providing more opportunities for medical students to train in rural settings are also crucial. Exposure to rural practice during training increases the likelihood that doctors will choose to work in these areas,” Dr Allen said.
The advancement of telehealth technology is also a promising avenue for bridging the rural health care gap. Dr Allen’s online telehealth service, Dial The Doc, is among a growing number of websites offering the capacity for patients to book online and receive medical advice, prescriptions and medical testing requests.
“Telehealth has become crucial to the provision of medical services for rural residents, allowing to access healthcare without the need for travel,” Dr Allen said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth, demonstrating its potential to enhance rural healthcare delivery.”
“Ensuring that rural Australians have equitable access to healthcare is not just a matter of professional distribution but also a commitment to the principle of health equity. By continuing to innovate and invest in rural healthcare, Australia can hope to bridge the gap and provide high-quality healthcare for all its citizens, regardless of their location.”
To book a telehealth appointment visit http://www.dialthedoc.com.au
