Locals urged to keep up medical care during COVID-19

Front (L-R) – Dr Nahid Sinha; Dr Sunil Jacob (DMAHG); Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton; Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders. Back (L-R) – Jen Hearne; Sarah Wiegold (nurses); Dr Mina Ayad (DMAHG)

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Reports that people in regional Australia were delaying medical care and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted Federal Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton to urge residents to continue seeing their GP or health specialist.

Chairing the fifth special rural health COVID-19 roundtable last week with key rural and indigenous health stakeholders, Minister Coulton heard reports of people delaying essential treatment as a result of the pandemic.

“Coronavirus is challenging for society however it mustn’t supersede the need for us all to manage our health,” Minister Coulton said.

“The idea regional Australians who need continued medical support are not accessing it during this period is certainly very concerning.

“That’s why Medicare-subsided telehealth has been expanded for all Australians; making it easier for people to keep in contact with the medical support they need to manage their health.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.