Let’s talk: Healthcare needs to work for everyone.
Students from Greater Shepparton Secondary College will be experiencing what it is like to be a ‘Journalist for a day’ in The News’ new weekly column, contributing stories they have worked on in class about topics and issues they are passionate about.
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As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”. In a world where wealth has often overpowered our brains, it is crucial that we first recognise what real wealth is. The idea of real wealth lies in having the ability to access care when needed, being able to live an overall healthy life and being free from the burden of suffering and illness.
Healthcare is an undeniable right that everyone deserves, regardless of their geographical location. It is devastating that rural citizens must travel absurd distances to see a healthcare provider. Yet, most regional Australians suffer from healthcare limitations similar to these. They range from limited specialised care to the often near impossibility of booking an appointment with a doctor. It is crucial that we as a society can raise awareness about this significant obstacle.
While having more healthcare facilities might be beneficial, we must look at quality instead of quantity and maintain high standards of care. Moreover, Better Health Victoria suggests that when individuals have easy access to high-quality care, they are likely to engage in routine health check-ups, leading to a healthier and more self-aware community.
Nonetheless, there is an unfortunate problem.
According to a study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people living in regional and remote areas generally experience poorer health outcomes. Consequently, life expectancies are lower compared to those in major cities.
Furthermore, shocking new evidence shows that every single person in rural Australia is missing out on nearly $850 a year of healthcare access, which equates to a total annual rural health spending deficit of $6.5 billion. This level of funding would allow Australians living in rural areas to access the health and medical services they so desperately require.
Over the past decade, suicide rates have risen, with major cities experiencing the lowest rates, emphasising the urgent help needed in rural areas. Unsurprisingly, a major contributing factor is the lack of mental health facilities. Directly correlating to this problem is the lack of professionals in and around the healthcare stream, especially in regional areas. Horrifyingly, experts have found this will only worsen, with, for example, an expected shortage of over 100,000 nurses in 2025.
If you consider Australia a first-world country, it might be the time to think again!
Remember, this debate is not just about regional health; it’s an issue of justice and fairness. How we see our country is crucial in shaping who we are. It’s still not too late; we simply need less talk and more action! Steps include increased access to healthcare, more education and programs tailored to our youth, investment in cost-effective preventive health measures and much more!
I am genuinely sick and frustrated with the Australian healthcare system, and I know you are, too. However, by working together, we can make these changes to ensure that everyone suffering from the lack of health access can get the care they need. These changes would benefit the regional parts of Australia and strengthen the healthcare system as a whole. Therefore making Australia a better place to live.
– Jaideep Singh Dhillon
Journalist for a day: Jaideep Singh Dhillon.
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