Australia's Healthcare System
Australia’s Healthcare System: Past, Present and Future
Table of Contents
Abstract 3
Introduction 4-10
Current Health Policy Issues 10-15
Healthcare Workforce 15-16
Healthcare Access 16-18
Chronic diseases in Australia 18-20
Innovative healthcare solutions 20-22
Summary 22-24
References 24-26
Abstract
The healthcare system in Australia is a mixed system of public and private funding. Australia’s healthcare challenges mimic both high and low and middle income countries. The urban, developed areas are home to the non-indigenous people of Australia and they face health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The remote and rural areas of the country are inhabited mainly by the indigenous populations who face a mixed healthcare challenge including higher infant mortality, and lower life expectancies. Access to care, cost of care, budding healthcare technologies and chronic disease all pose unique challenges to the Australian healthcare system.
Australia’s Healthcare System: Past, Present and Future
Introduction According the Australian Government and Hilles and Healy, 2001, Australia is the smallest continent, yet the 6th largest country. It is comprised of 6 states and 2 federal territories. The largest cities are Sydney and Melbourne, yet the capital is Canberra. Canberra is located in one of the two federal territories, the Australian Capital Territory, similar to Washington D.C. The geography of Australia includes tropical areas, rugged coastline, dessert and temperate area as well. The majority of the population is located on the east coast between Adelaide and Cairns. There is another moderated pocket of populous near Perth and the middle of the country is very rural and with very little population. Australia was settled by the British in the 1700’s and today the main race of people in Australia is Caucasian, making up over 70% of the population.
Table of Contents
Abstract 3
Introduction 4-10
Current Health Policy Issues 10-15
Healthcare Workforce 15-16
Healthcare Access 16-18
Chronic diseases in Australia 18-20
Innovative healthcare solutions 20-22
Summary 22-24
References 24-26
Abstract
The healthcare system in Australia is a mixed system of public and private funding. Australia’s healthcare challenges mimic both high and low and middle income countries. The urban, developed areas are home to the non-indigenous people of Australia and they face health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The remote and rural areas of the country are inhabited mainly by the indigenous populations who face a mixed healthcare challenge including higher infant mortality, and lower life expectancies. Access to care, cost of care, budding healthcare technologies and chronic disease all pose unique challenges to the Australian healthcare system.
Australia’s Healthcare System: Past, Present and Future
Introduction According the Australian Government and Hilles and Healy, 2001, Australia is the smallest continent, yet the 6th largest country. It is comprised of 6 states and 2 federal territories. The largest cities are Sydney and Melbourne, yet the capital is Canberra. Canberra is located in one of the two federal territories, the Australian Capital Territory, similar to Washington D.C. The geography of Australia includes tropical areas, rugged coastline, dessert and temperate area as well. The majority of the population is located on the east coast between Adelaide and Cairns. There is another moderated pocket of populous near Perth and the middle of the country is very rural and with very little population. Australia was settled by the British in the 1700’s and today the main race of people in Australia is Caucasian, making up over 70% of the population.
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