Department of Health

Rural health

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The Victorian Government is working to improve access to quality healthcare in rural Victoria.

Rural health service and public hospital staff

If you work in a rural public health service or hospital and want more information on rural programs and policies, refer to the Victorian health service policy and funding guidelines.

Improving Access to Primary Care in Rural and Remote Areas Initiative

Victoria is participating in the COAG Section 19(2) Exemptions Initiative aimed at improving access to primary health care for rural Victorians.

Rural health regions and locations

Rural and regional health services are provided across Victoria. Services include Aboriginal health services, community health services and bush nursing hospitals.

Rural and regional medical director role

The Victorian rural and regional health services’ medical director plays a key role in monitoring, maintaining and improving the safety and quality of health care.

Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)

The Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme subsidises some costs incurred by rural Victorians when they travel more than 100 kilometres one way for specialist medical treatment.

Rural and isolated practice registered nurses (RIPRNs)

Rural and isolated practice registered nurses (RIPRNs) have completed a special course of study and can administer or supply a limited range of medicines in rural and regional Victoria.

Rural x-ray services

The department has developed statewide guidelines for small rural health services wanting to provide x-ray services.

Urgent care in regional and rural areas

Most small rural hospitals have an Urgent Care Centre to provide emergency care and assistance to their communities.

Reviewed 30 October 2023

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