Budget 2024 Consultation Reinforces BC Rural Health Network’s Advocacy for Equitable, Community-Centered Health Care
BC Rural Health Network – August 4, 2023
At the BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN), we are both excited and encouraged to see our core vision for community-centric, equitable health care echoed in the BC Government’s report on the 2024 Budget Consultation.
The Standing Committee on Finance’s recommendations, particularly those focused on rural and remote communities, mirror our organization’s key messages. Executive Director of the BCRHN, Paul Adams, shared his optimism, stating, “The Committee’s recognition of the unique challenges in rural health care and their proposed solutions pave a promising path towards a more inclusive health care system in BC.”
One section of the report stands out: a stark illumination of the financial burdens experienced by rural residents when accessing health care services. Referencing a 2021 study conducted by Dr. Jude Kornelsen, Co-Lead Researcher with the UBC Centre for Rural Health Research, the report unveils that rural residents pay an average of $2,044 for travel-related health care expenses.
Dr. Kornelsen commends the recognition of the experiences of rural residents in the report, saying, “It’s gratifying to see the pressing findings from our 2021 study being acknowledged. This recognition amplifies the urgent call for tailored health care solutions for rural and remote communities.”
Peggy Skelton, President of BCRHN, lauds the report’s alignment with our organization’s goals. “These recommendations underscore the need for community-driven health care planning, which is integral to our advocacy. It’s particularly heartening to see our call for community-operated health centres being reinforced in the report.”
Indeed, the Committee’s key recommendations for rural and remote communities include:
- Funding for community-operated health centres
- Expanded funding for, and access to, medical travel for rural and remote residents
- Implementing recruitment and retention incentives for healthcare workers
- Investment in digital health solutions
- Funding to expand services for patient navigators
- A shift towards community-driven planning
These recommendations underscore a crucial recognition of the distinct needs of BC’s rural communities and embody a commitment to ensure equitable access to health care services across the province.
At the BCRHN, we are eager to collaborate with the BC Government to implement these recommendations effectively. As Skelton articulates, “Together, we can usher in a new era of rural health care in BC, where every community, irrespective of its geographical location, has access to the services they need.”
This report represents a significant milestone in our mission. We look forward to the journey ahead and to forging a health care system that caters to all BC residents. We look forward to working to bringing these recommendations to life and continuing to advocate for the diverse needs of our rural communities.
Read the full report from the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services by visiting their site here.
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