Smarter approaches to digital infrastructure are already improving access and service delivery. They are enhancing health capabilities and facilities where it is required to deliver better health outcomes.
For example, virtual health services are transforming the health system22 by allowing people to be safely treated from home. For older Australians living with chronic diseases, benefits included a 40% reduction in the mortality rate and a 24% saving over the year to the healthcare system.23
Governments need to invest more in improving digital infrastructure by addressing gaps, strengthening connectivity and enabling patient information to be shared securely.
This will reduce pressure on overburdened health care facilities and provide valuable, sustainable and flexible medical care, especially for Rural Communities and Remote Areas.24
The move to virtual health care will also rebalance the health workforce across the country, with specialists providing virtual consultations to areas with fewer onsite clinicians.25