The Territory Labor Government knows that health care provided in community is the best type of health care.
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (Congress) has this month assumed operations of the health care centre in Kaltukatjara (Docker River).
Congress already provides care at nearby Mutitjulu, an Aboriginal community adjacent to Uluru, as well as other communities in the region. Earlier this year, Congress assumed operations for the health centres in Imanpa and Yulara.
One of the most experienced services in the country in Aboriginal health, Congress is the largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) in the Northern Territory (NT), a national leader in primary health care and a strong advocate for the health of Aboriginal people.
The transfer of service delivery of the Kaltukatjara Health Centre joins other remote services provided by Congress in Central Australia including Amoonguna, Ntaria (and Wallace Rockhole), Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa), Utju (Areyonga), Mutitjulu, Imanpa and Yulara.
Evidence shows that increasing community involvement in the planning and delivery of local health services brings additional health benefits to local residents.
Communities can contact Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) or NT Health if they are interested in learning more about the pathways to community control.
Quotes from Chief Minister and Minister for Health Natasha Fyles:
"Local Decision Making is the Territory Labor Government's commitment to provide opportunities to transfer government service delivery to Aboriginal people.
"The movement towards increased Aboriginal control of health services in the NT is motivated by two main factors - a commitment to Indigenous rights and international evidence showing better health outcomes when there is community participation in health care delivery.
"Congress and NT Health have worked in partnership to transition operations to Aboriginal community control in Kaltukatjara in line with community needs and local decision making. NT Health will continue to provide support in the community, including visiting specialist services such as paediatrics and BreastScreen NT."
Quotes attributed to the Member for Gwoja, Chansey Paech:
"Having health care closer to home is important for everyone, whether you live in the city or the bush.
"Congress managing the health centre in Kaltukatjara will bring positive health outcomes for community members."
Quotes attributed to Congress Acting CEO, David Busuttil:
"This year, Congress proudly celebrates 50 years since the beginning of our journey in 1973.
"There is clear evidence that the work that Congress is doing is making a real difference to the health of the population we serve. We are very pleased to be able to provide our services in more communities.
"The milestone of transitioning the health centre in Kaltukatjara to community control shows how far Congress - and Aboriginal community controlled health - has come. It makes us very proud that the people of Kaltukatjara have welcomed Congress into their community, and we look forward to working with and for them."
Northern Territory Government
