Health care programs for scattered populations.

Health care for scattered populations is discussed. An optimal system applying current technology is described emphasizing the economic supportability of such a system. This is accomplished by basing the system on health auxiliaries and middle level health personnel who have undergone problem oriented training and who receive regular supervision. The Alaska Native Health Program is described in detail. Several other health care systems in use in sparsely populated areas of the world are reported on. Emergency care as a particular and essential aspect of any health care program for isolated populations is discussed. Finally future trends including current experiments utilizing satellite technology are reported on.