Affirmative action policies need to be implemented by government structures in favour of rural areas at national and regional levels. These are essential to address the needs of underserved rural areas. Progress will be made only if separate resources are allocated and personnel are tasked with monitoring outcomes. National governments in particular have a special responsibility to provide adequate financial support for rural health care.
Strategies
5.2.1 Governments should provide appropriate funding to
develop and maintain hospital and other health services and referral resources
to meet the needs of people in rural and remote communities. Loss of medical
service may result in an inability to recruit other industries and eventually
a dissolution of the community itself. Government support should recognise the
broad scope of rural practice facilities, including the need for treatment facilities,
diagnostic facilities, an adequately trained workforce and the means to support
local disease prevention, health promotion activities..
5.2.2 The need for dedicated funding for the support of rural
health care practitioners must be recognised.
5.2.3 Allocation of financial resources in rural areas
should target funding to areas of need. Example, reducing the negative impacts
of globalisation.