Principles of rural
health care
The outcomes and strategies proposed in this Policy on
Rural Practice and Rural Health are based on a number of important principles
elucidated at the Durban Conference in 1997
- That the necessary infrastructure for the implementation
of comprehensive health care delivery for rural, remote and underserviced areas
must be a high priority for national governments.
- That the specific nature of rural practice, including the
broader range of skills required of rural doctors, needs to be recognised by
governments and professional organisations.
- That the core general practice/family practice
competencies of rural doctors need to be enhanced by the provision of additional
skills for rural practice appropriate to the specific location of the
practice.
- That the status of rural doctors needs to be elevated by
a co-ordinated approach involving improved career prospects, education and
training, improved incentives and improved working conditions. These should be
supported by governments, communities and professional organisations recognising
the pivotal role of the rural doctor.
- That the rural doctor and other health professionals
should assist the community in assessment, analysis and development of health
services responsive to community needs, while recognising the importance of a
patient-centred approach at the individual level.
- That models of rural health services need to be evaluated
and promoted, in partnership with rural communities, and in co-operation with
regional and national health authorities.
- That rural doctors need to adopt the philosophy of
Primary Health Care as a key to the health of rural communities.
- That women must be involved in all representative bodies
and be there when decisions are being made.