The AMA recently wrote to the transport minister to consider the vital role air transportation plays in facilitating regional, rural and remote healthcare.
The federal government this week said it will guarantee regional flight bookings for Rex customers throughout the voluntary administration process.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson wrote to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King MP, last week urging the federal government to recognize the vital role regional airlines currently play in Australia’s healthcare.
The provision of reliable and affordable transport to and from Australia’s regional, rural and remote regions is essential to providing equitable access to health care. Australia has a long history of doctors, nurses and other health professionals travelling long distances to treat people living and working in remote communities.
The remote medical workforce is reliant on travel to urban centers for vital training and upskilling. It is also very common for specialist doctors and locums to provide outreach services and clinics in rural towns that cannot support or attract local and long-term non-GP specialists.
People living and working in Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities require and deserve equitable access to healthcare. Regional residents often travel hours for specialised healthcare or go without.
The AMA urged the government to take this into account as it confronts the current situation with Rex Airlines and in relation to development of its broader policy agenda for the airline industry. Anything that diminishes the footprint of airline services to regional areas will inevitably impact on health services and access to care.
