Indigenous community participation: how does it relate to student centered learning and embrace primary health care philosophies?

The health and well-being of Indigenous Australians has been identified as a critical problem with high levels of chronic illness, morbidity and mortality compared to other Australian population groups. However, as health professionals we continue to discuss and theorise components of Indigenous health addressing issues in a piecemeal way. The concept of primary health care has been shown to have an independent effect on improving the health status of populations and having the ability to reduce health inequalities. Countries with well developed primary care systems have healthier populations and reduced health care costs (Macinko et al., 2003, p. 407). Primary health care combined with a community holistic approach and the defined use of student centered learning in Indigenous education has the potential to provide optimal health care and thus be an effective way to improve Indigenous Community health (McMurray, 2003, p. 296).