The McGowan Government in partnership with major corporate investors has sparked a multimillion-dollar global challenge to improve health outcomes in regional and remote parts of Western Australia.
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said the $5 million Challenge was to develop a technology solution, based around research, to improve health outcomes for people living in the far-reaching Pilbara, a region which spans more than 500,000 square kilometres.
The Minister announced The Challenge at the official opening of the AusBiotech conference today which was a prestigious opportunity to showcase local scientists, new medical research projects, innovative ideas and prototypes to global markets.
The Challenge is looking for submissions from industry, the private sector, public sector agencies, universities, research institutes or collaborations from international organisations.
The WA Department of Health is leading the rollout of The Challenge on behalf of the State Government.
BHP, Rio Tinto Group and the Future Health and Medical Research Innovation Fund have partnered to deliver the $5 million project, with additional support also being provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There will be further announcements and opportunities for funding partners and supporters in the lead up to the official launch in December.
WA's resources sector already leads the way in remote operations technology with companies being able to manage key areas of their sites from thousands of kilometres away. Now, under The Challenge, the focus is on trying to achieve this same level of success in the delivery of health care.
The winner will need to demonstrate proof-of-concept against an outcomes-based framework and integrate solutions into existing models of healthcare delivery in the Pilbara.
For more information, visit https://thechallenge.health.wa.gov.au
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"We hope to capitalise on the brilliant scientific minds and their networks gathered in Perth for the AusBiotech Conference and challenge them to find innovative ways of developing and delivering high-quality health services to one of the most isolated areas of the world.
"This is about improving the health of Western Australians living in rural and remote areas to reduce disease and injury for the community and particularly for remote Aboriginal communities.
"We're not calling for improvements, or incremental change. We need real change - we need world-leading innovation.
"We are looking for an outcome which harnesses new technology, deploys digital health to its full potential, and ensures all Western Australians can access the health services they need - and deserve.
"The McGowan Government hopes to tap into the greatest minds, companies and technological solutions from around the world, so WA can improve health outcomes that will also contribute towards benefits for other sectors."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This is such an exciting and important initiative to support the communities across the Pilbara.
"By focusing the brightest minds from around the globe on some of our very real challenges in this region, it will be amazing to truly understand what is possible."
As stated by the Chair of Future Health Research and Innovation Fund Council John Van Der Wielen:
"This is a unique partnership between Government and key industry leaders, such as BHP and Rio Tinto, to make a real difference to the health outcomes of Western Australians living in communities across the Pilbara.
"It will be incredibly exciting to see the kind of innovative solutions that emerge through The Challenge and to discover the potential they have to improve health care outcomes for those living in regional and remote Western Australia and beyond."
