sonyka

sonyka t1_ix7m3gj wrote

Exactly, all signs to point to indigenous communities needing more local healthcare providers/facilities than they've got. Not an expert but I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess their HCPs-per-mile rate is a lot lower than in non-indigenous areas. Per the link they're coming sicker and younger than non-indigenous patients. Apparently follow up care compliance isn't great. Add in a cultural reluctance to travel… it almost explains itself. If they don't have clinics within their radius they don't go.

What to do? Maybe a program to incentivize HCPs to set up shop in or near rural areas (the US does this; it helps… some). Even better, one to assist/encourage more indigenous community members to become HCPs.

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