More help for long distance health patients
The peak national body for rural and remote health has called on Federal and State Health Ministers to work collaboratively to provide better financial support for patients forced to travel long distances for essential health care.
The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) says the patients’ travel and accommodation schemes can be improved through the Australian Health Care Agreements (AHCAs).
These schemes are currently operated independently by State and Territory governments. However, they lack uniformity in what they provide, in what amounts and under what circumstances.
These inconsistencies and omissions create hardships for many rural people, including when family or carers might also require support.
Professor John Wakerman, chair of the NRHA, says the matter is urgent in view of the looming deadline to agree on the next round of Australian Health Care Agreements. As more services are closed down in smaller towns, the more critical it is for governments to ensure that people do not forego health care because of prohibitive travel costs.
