Intouch Public Health

Dr Mehwish Nisar

South Asian Australians, immigrants from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, are valuable contributors to Australia’s diverse society.

They are often recognised for their achievements in fields like medicine, academia, technology, and business, and sometimes characterised as a ‘model minority’ – a myth that oversimplifies the complex realities faced by these communities.

Many South Asians face significant challenges in accessing equitable health care in Australia, related to cost, culture, and circumstances.

Australia’s universal health care system, Medicare, provides essential medical services, yet cost remains a significant hurdle for many South Asian migrants.

The financial burden extends beyond doctor’s fees to include indirect costs such as transportation, childcare and lost wages from taking time off work.

Many new migrants are employed in precarious, low-paying jobs without health insurance, making medical care even less accessible. These financial pressures often lead to delayed diagnoses and the development of more serious health conditions.

Beyond cost, navigating the complexities of the Australian healthcare system can be overwhelming.

Understanding Medicare benefits, private insurance options, and the referral processes needed to see specialists requires a level of health literacy that new migrants, especially those with limited English skills, often lack. This unfamiliarity can lead to frustration, misinformation, and a reluctance to seek timely medical attention, ultimately worsening their long-term health outcomes.

Cultural beliefs play a crucial role in shaping health behaviours within South Asian communities. Many people prefer traditional remedies and alternative healing methods – including specific foods, herbs, spices, and Ayurvedic practices – over Western medicine, which can result in delays in seeking professional medical care.

Additionally, women often prioritise their family’s health over their own, leading to postponed screenings and treatments for chronic illnesses.

Language barriers add another significant challenge. Effective communication with healthcare providers is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. When language difficulties arise, there is a risk of misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and inappropriate treatments.

Language and cultural interpreters, and culturally tailored health education resources, are crucial to minimise miscommunication and ensure South Asian migrants receive quality health care.

South Asian migrants in Australia also face discrimination, which negatively impacts both their mental and physical health.

Men reported higher instances of workplace bullying, while women experienced harassment more frequently in public transport settings such as at bus and train stations.

Immigrants who wear traditional or religious attire, particularly women, are more likely to be targeted.

Experiencing racism not only affects emotional wellbeing, but can exacerbate chronic conditions due to stress, while also deterring people from seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination within the health care system.

Racism and cultural barriers also contribute to low levels of physical activity among many South Asian immigrants. Long hours spent in sedentary jobs often leave little time for exercise, and access to safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate recreational spaces is limited.

Women face further barriers, including safety concerns, lack of access to female-only fitness options, and culturally sensitive dress code considerations that may make participation in mainstream exercise activities difficult.

This sedentary lifestyle contributes to an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity – conditions already of concern within the South Asian community.

To improve health outcomes for South Asian migrants, it’s important to enhance healthcare accessibility by taking a comprehensive approach.

This may include interventions like expanding Medicare coverage for migrants and developing cultural competency training for healthcare providers.

Medical professionals should be trained to navigate cultural sensitivities, language differences, and traditional health beliefs to foster trust and improve patient-provider relationships.

Establishing programs such as women’s wellness groups, faith-based fitness programs, and culturally inclusive mental health awareness campaigns may also help bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern health care and practices.

Finally, it is critical to address racism in health care and in Australian society more broadly.

This may be supported by increasing education among medical professionals about unconscious bias against South Asians, which can help create a safer and more welcoming environment.

The South Asian community is woven into the fabric of Australia’s society and economy. Yet, despite Australia’s well-developed health care system, South Asian migrants face barriers that hinder their access to care and their wellbeing.

By addressing financial, cultural, and systemic barriers, we can create more inclusive health care for all.