Out in the Dark: Health Inequality in Regional Australia

Accessing healthcare services, particularly in regional and rural areas, can be a significant challenge in Australia. In this article, we explore the magnitude of this challenge and what rural residents can do to take care of their health and wellbeing.

The Shift to Regional & Rural Living

Around 7 million Australians live in regional and remote areas. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant shift in how people live and work. One consequence is that more people leave metro areas to live in both more affordable and lifestyle-driven locations. The ability to work remotely and the favourable labour and housing market conditions in regional areas attracted people from capital cities to find their new homes in regional and rural locations. 

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Healthcare Access in Non-Urban Areas

“Australians face unique challenges due to their geographic location and often have poorer health outcomes than people living in metropolitan areas.” Australian Bureau of Statistics

While in metropolitan areas, there are 4.3 doctors per thousand people, in rural and remote areas there are only 2.7 doctors per thousand patients available.

The substantially lower doctor-to-patient ratio makes access to healthcare providers particularly challenging and drives poor health outcomes for regional Australians.

Individuals residing in remote locations far from medical facilities face unique challenges when it comes to managing their health and wellbeing. The most pressing is limited access to healthcare providers. As such, it is crucial for them to take proactive measures to prevent health issues from arising in the first place. 

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Can at-home testing can support preventative health in remote areas?

Through the pandemic we have seen a shift to having some health services available remotely, with almost a third of Australians accessing telehealth in 2021-2022. 

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Advancements in biotech have made it possible to gain unprecedented insight into one's health through at-home testing and tracking. By taking advantage of innovative technology, individuals can take control of their health and ensure that they are doing everything possible to maintain their wellbeing through lifestyle adjustments. This proactive approach to maintaining health, rather than only consulting a physician once symptoms manifest, can put power back into the hands of the individual and reduce the burden on an overwhelmed health system.

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That is why Drop Bio Health is bringing to market the WellBeing Test, an at-home testing service that uses a combination of finger-prick blood biomarker and in-depth lifestyle analysis to provide a health assessment that can be accessed anywhere in Australia, empowering individuals in regional areas to gain a deeper understanding of their health and make informed decisions about their wellbeing. Join WellBeing today!

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