ABSTRACT
This chapter examines both influences on access to primary health care generally as well as to specific health services. The emphasis on rationalization of hospital services has a dramatic effect on rural and remote populations as their access to some forms of primary health care is frequently through local hospitals, particularly in communities that do not have on-site primary care clinics. The emphasis on rationalization of hospital services has a dramatic effect on rural and remote populations as their access to some forms of primary health care is frequently through local hospitals, particularly in communities that do not have on-site primary care clinics. Rural residents of Canada and many other countries often lack equitable access to primary health care services Physical distance remains the greatest impediment to providing primary health care in rural, remote and northern areas. It is likely that not only rurality but also socio-economic status (SES) affects health outcomes.
