The additional costs of rural health care to rural residents

Media Release BC Rural Health Network (original release December 2022)

A recent survey by the Centre for Rural Health Research has found that the cost of seeking health care is a significant burden for many rural residents in British Columbia. The survey found that nearly 80% of rural respondents had difficulty paying for their care, and 60% reported that traveling to access care negatively affected their health.

These challenges are compounded by a lack of public transportation options, unfilled positions in community health facilities, and other factors that make it difficult for rural residents to access care. As a result, many residents are forced to delay or diminish their care-seeking, leading to negative impacts on both their health and the overall healthcare system.

"Rural residents face unique challenges when it comes to accessing health care," said Dr. Jude Kornelsen, Chair of the BC Rural Health Network Implementation Committee. "Removing the financial burden of seeking care can help ensure equity in health outcomes and improve the health of our rural communities."

"Providing better access to care and removing financial barriers is essential for improving the health and wellbeing of our rural residents," said Paul Adams, Executive Director of the BC Rural Health Network. "The BC Rural Health Network is committed to working with the government to address these challenges and improve access to care for rural residents."

The mandate of the BC Rural Health Network is to improve access to health care for rural residents. By removing the expense for rural residents to seek care, we can help ensure equity in health outcomes and improve the health of BC's rural residents.

The BCRHN is the healthcare voice of the rural residents of British Columbia and seeks better health outcomes for all people, through solutions-based approaches with governments, and information provision to residents.

The BCRHN is grateful to live, work, and be in relation with people from across many traditional and unceded territories, covering all regions of British Columbia. We are honoured to live on this land and are committed to reconciliation, decolonization, and building relationships in our communities