A peak body for country doctors has questioned the removal of the Rural Health portfolio as a standalone ministry under the revamped Coalition Government.
The health ministry team will continue to be responsible for rural health, but the Rural Doctors Association express concerns that focus will be diluted.
RDAA president, Adam Coltzau, justified there had never been a more important time for rural health to remain a distinct portfolio.
Dr Coltzau said rural Australians continue to have poorer health outcomes than their city counterparts, and poorer access to healthcare services.