Doctor shortage in regions tied to lack of rural health research
Only just under $300 million of a $20 billion medical research fund went to rural areas. Yet 28 per cent of Australians live there.
Rural Australia faces a serious health crisis. Small towns have only a pharmacist for healthcare.
Regional hospitals are under pressure. Fewer doctors choose rural work.
A chronic shortage of health research focused on rural communities is almost invisible. It is a key reason these problems persist.
From 2015 to 2023, the federal government's Medical Research Future Fund gave out $20 billion overall. Just under $300 million went to research in rural areas.
Only $86.5 million went to organisations based there. The gap is worse in academic research.
PhD-trained researchers in rural areas make up about 16 per cent of the total. This is far below the 28 per cent of Australians living outside cities.
Rural doctors have no time to research. They spend every hour treating patients.
But they want evidence-based studies tailored to their regional needs. Monash University's School of Rural Health is hosting an event this week to engage young doctors and medical students in rural research.
- 28 percent of Australians
- Rural population share
- 86.5 million dollars
- Rural-based organisations funded
- About 16 percent
- PhD researchers in rural areas
Why it mattersWithout research tailored to rural health needs, rural communities stay medically underserved. Fewer doctors choose to work there.
Corroborated bybendigoadvertiser.com.au
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