## Improving Healthcare Delivery in Rural Australia

**Heart of Australia (HoA)** has partnered with **Pfizer Australia** to enhance its **GP Education Program**, aimed at improving healthcare in rural and remote areas of Australia. This 12-month initiative strives to equip **rural healthcare professionals** with the skills necessary to address the unique health challenges faced by these communities.

![Heart of Australia Mobile Clinic](https://newshub-website-data.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2025/02/18060047/Dr-Krishan-Thiru-Pfizer-Australia-on-the-road-with-Heart-of-Australia-1024x683.jpg)

## The Need for Expanded Skills
Small rural towns in Australia are struggling with **nearly 60% fewer health professionals** compared to major cities. This shortage necessitates a broader skill set among **general practitioners (GPs)**, nurses, and pharmacists to effectively serve communities with higher disease burdens spread over vast distances.

## Educational Sessions for Professionals
The HoA GP Education Program offers **educational sessions** for healthcare professionals, enabling them to learn from specialists and network with peers. Topics covered include cardiology, endocrinology, and respiratory health, focusing on specific health concerns in rural and **First Nations communities**.

> “Heart of Australia's unique service enables us to work closely with local GPs, delivering personalized support for their professional needs and their patients' health needs,” said **Dr. Rolf Gomes**, HoA Founder.

## Innovative Mobile Health Service
The **mobile clinic model** employed by HoA is particularly appealing to residents who may hesitate to visit traditional healthcare facilities. Patients like **John Lang**, who previously traveled long distances for medical care, have benefited significantly from this service. 

> “Getting on the Heart Truck in Theodore saved my life,” said Lang, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare.

## Addressing Barriers to Care
The higher costs associated with providing healthcare in rural areas often limit access to primary care services. In 2025, HoA plans to expand its fleet to include five new **Heart Trucks**, focusing on delivering specialist care to underserved regions, particularly for **lung cancer screening**.

## Commitment to Health Equity
This partnership aligns with the **Federal Government's** commitment to strengthen the healthcare workforce in rural areas, aiming to provide quality care to communities facing significant health disparities. 

> “Pfizer is dedicated to advancing health equity by improving healthcare access and outcomes across Australia,” stated **Dr. Krishan Thiru**, Pfizer Australia Medical Director.

## Conclusion
The Heart of Australia-Pfizer partnership is a crucial step towards addressing the healthcare challenges faced by rural, remote, and First Nations communities, ultimately aiming to close the health gap between urban and rural populations.

12-month Heart of Australia GP education partnership announced with the aim of improving healthcare delivery in rural and remote parts of Australia. Rural healthcare professionals require a broader skill set to service communities with higher burdens of disease where populations are dispersed over vast distances.1 Small rural towns in Australia have almost 60% fewer health

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