Dr Rosalie Schultz1
1Australian Volunteer Program, Honiara, Solomon Islands, 2Ngaanyatjarra Health Service, Alice Springs, Australia
Biography:
Rosalie is a GP and public health physician with over 20 years experience providing health care for Aboriginal people in remote regions of NT and WA. She has undertaken volunteer assignments in the Pacific which deepen understanding of determinants of health, equity, health workforce and service planning and resilience.
Abstract:
Introduction
Motivated by curiosity and concern for global health equity, particularly after the cuts to US Aid, I undertook a 12 month volunteer assignment in rural medicine in Solomon Islands. This presentation will explore my learnings as a volunteer with the Australian Volunteer Program and their implications for healthcare in rural and remote regions of Australia.
Healthcare in rural Solomon Islands
Maldistribution of healthcare workers and under-servicing of rural areas are problems throughout the world. In contrast with Australia's mainly urban population, the population of Solomon Islands is 80% rural, and this accentuates the impacts of the maldistribution of healthcare workers. Almost 90% of doctors and 46% of nurses work in the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, while 80% of the people of Solomon Islands live in rural villages. Many health indices for rural people are better than those of urban people because rural people enjoy active lives of subsistence agriculture and fishing in fertile lands and oceans, supported by strong cultural and language identities. However bright city lights are encouraging rapid urbanisation.
A rural medicine training program intended to attract young Solomon Islands doctors into a varied and rewarding career path began in 2024, and my volunteer assignment required me to mentor this program. When I arrived I learnt that the program was running effectively and I could best use my time visiting and supporting the rural hospitals and health services.
Conclusion
While concerns about inadequate workforce and resourcing of rural health in Australia are valid, rural and remote regions of Australia are vastly better serviced than most of the world. However under-resourcing can contribute to creativity, resilience and dedication. Taking an opportunity to work internationally is both humbling and inspiring.