Jaide Vidafar is a sterilisation supervisor, a former emergency dispatcher and an aspiring doctor.
3 minute read
Bridging the healthcare gap
What’s in this article
Jaide Vidafar, one of our volunteers explores the issues facing those living in the remote communities in the Torres Strait Islands. She shines a light on the healthcare gap and offers insights into what we could be doing to improve the health of those living in these beautiful, yet isolated communities.
Australia’s Torres Strait Islands are a beautiful and culturally rich part of our country, home to communities with deep traditions and connections to the land. But while these islands are a treasure, they also face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare. As Aussies, it’s important we understand these challenges and work together to make a difference.
The heart of the issue: Distance and isolation
The Torres Strait Islands are geographically isolated, scattered across the sea between the tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. This remoteness, while preserving the islands’ unique cultures, also makes accessing healthcare services incredibly tough. For many islanders, seeing a doctor can involve long journeys by boat or plane, which isn’t always on the cards, especially in emergencies.
Think about it: Imagine being a pregnant mother needing a routine check-up, but the nearest clinic is hours away. Or consider an elderly person with a chronic illness who needs regular monitoring but can’t easily get to a healthcare provider. This is what life can be like for Indigenous Australians in the Torres Strait.
Why does this matter?
When healthcare is hard to reach, it affects everything—from managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions to getting timely mental health support. For example, a young child with asthma might struggle without regular medical attention, leading to serious complications. The result is that Indigenous Australians in these remote areas often experience poorer health outcomes compared to those in urban settings. Life expectancy is lower, and preventable health issues can escalate simply because help is too far away.
But this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people, families, and communities who deserve the same level of care and support as anyone else.
This is where we can step up. There are practical steps that, as a nation, we can take to support our Indigenous Australians in the Torres Strait Islands and other remote areas.
So, what can we do?
- Support Telehealth: With the wonders of modern technology, telehealth has become a game-changer for remote communities. It allows doctors to consult with patients over video calls, cutting down the need for travel. For instance, a mum worried about her child’s recurring cough could have a telehealth consultation and get advice without leaving the island. Backing and expanding telehealth services can make a world of difference in providing timely care.
- Mobile Health Clinics: These clinics bring healthcare directly to the communities, offering everything from general check-ups to specialist consultations. Imagine a mobile clinic arriving on an island, giving elders the chance to get their blood pressure checked or receive medication for their chronic conditions without the stress of travel. By getting behind these initiatives, we ensure that even the most remote areas have access to healthcare when they need it.
- Culturally respectful care: Healthcare that respects and integrates traditional practices is not only more effective but also more trusted. Supporting the training of Indigenous health workers who understand the local culture can bridge the gap between Western medicine and traditional approaches, providing care that truly resonates with the community. For example, an Indigenous health worker might be better positioned to encourage a patient to manage their diabetes, knowing how to communicate in a culturally sensitive way.
- Raise awareness and advocate: Simply yarning about these issues helps raise awareness. By advocating for better healthcare infrastructure and policies that prioritise remote communities, we can push for changes that make a lasting impact. Imagine if more Aussies knew about the challenges in the Torres Strait—there could be more support for policies that bring lasting change.
Bringing it home: How we can all help
At the end of the day, making a difference starts with understanding and compassion. Whether it’s through donating to organisations like the Rural Doctors Foundation, volunteering, or simply staying informed and spreading the word, each of us can contribute to a healthier future for all Australians.
It’s about recognising that health equity is a shared responsibility. When we work together—whether by supporting telehealth initiatives, mobile clinics, or culturally respectful care—we help ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
The Torres Strait Islands may be far from the cities, but the people who live there are part of our Australian family. By staying connected and caring, we can help close the healthcare gap and support the vibrant, resilient communities of the Torres Strait.
Together, we can do better—and together, we can build a future where all Australians have access to the healthcare they deserve.
Growing up across the Cape with a single mother who served as a nurse, Jaide Vidafar developed a profound respect for healthcare from a young age. Now an aspiring doctor, Jaide is passionate about improving healthcare accessibility in rural and remote communities.
