Reflections on national rural health policy: the 'big picture' framework

A major concern of many rural and remote communities, as they struggle to cope with the impacts of social, economic and demographic changes, is the effect of government policies on health services. The National Rural Health Strategy has evolved as the key framework guiding action for improving health services for people in rural and remote Australia. The importance of maintaining an awareness of the 'big picture' of rural health remains paramount if interventions designed to bring about improved health status are to tackle the underlying causes of the problems, minimise problems associated with lack of co-ordination between health authorities, and avoid duplication of activity. Given the communality of rural health problems across Australia, close co-operation and collaboration among rural health groups is vital in developing appropriate national rural health policy. At the same time rural communities must continue to participate actively in the policy formulation and implementation process.