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Resource requirements to develop a large, remote aboriginal health service: whose responsibility?
C B Burns1, A R Clough, B J Currie
1Clinical Unit, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin. chrisb@menzies.su.edu.au
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|May 26, 1998
Summary
A 1995 study in Maningrida identified significant health needs for Aboriginal residents, including high childhood morbidity and premature adult mortality. Doubling primary health care expenditure and addressing infrastructure are crucial for improving remote Aboriginal health services.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Indigenous Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Commonwealth funding initiated studies in 1994 to develop Aboriginal health services.
- A 1995 study focused on Maningrida, Northern Territory, to assess health service needs and community management.
- The study population included approximately 2100 Aboriginal residents, with a significant youth demographic and high childhood morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify health service needs and community management structures for Aboriginal populations.
- Analyze Northern Territory expenditure on primary health care.
- Develop a three- to five-year budget for health service development.
Main Methods:
- Community consultations to identify service priorities.
- Analysis of existing health care expenditure data.
- Needs assessment for staffing, infrastructure, and specialized care.
Main Results:
- High childhood morbidity (1.4 hospital admissions/year for under-twos) and premature adult mortality were observed.
- Inadequate staffing and infrastructure were identified as key barriers by service providers.
- Community priorities included resident doctors, improved outstation services, aged care, and local health worker training.
Conclusions:
- Remote Aboriginal health services require doubled per capita expenditure and significant investment in staffing and infrastructure.
- Disadvantage exists due to funding formulae and limited Medicare access for remote Aboriginal populations.
- Ineffective implementation, unclear government responsibilities, and funding shortfalls hinder service development.