Health Equity for Rural and Remote Communities

Whereas rural and remote communities in BC experience significant health care challenges, including a lack of access to emergency services, on-demand mental health and addictions facilities, physicians, paramedics, and other health professionals; And whereas the long distances, limited public and private transportation options to travel to the nearest health care service, and high costs for accommodations to stay near those sites while receiving treatment, are substantial barriers for people living in rural communities across the Province: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government introduce metrics and policy to identify reasonable travel distances from each community to health care services and facilities, to ensure transparent, accountable, and equitable health care access for those living in rural and remote communities in BC; And be it further resolved that the provincial government move quickly to increase the health care workforce in rural and remote communities by: - creating additional licensing and training opportunities for internationally-trained medical graduates; - establishing recruitment and retention programs for health care professionals willing to work in rural areas; - approving physician assistants to work alongside physicians and other health professionals; and - expanding the use of nurse practitioners and pharmacists to increase access to health services.