Analysis of Healthcare for Indigenous Australian Young People

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the healthcare status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Australia, with a specific focus on the lasting impact of the 1961 Assimilation Policy. The paper begins by outlining the pre-invasion health status of Indigenous Australians, highlighting the stark contrast with contemporary healthcare access and outcomes. It then examines the current health status of this demographic, emphasizing the disparity between their representation of health and the Western medical model. The core of the essay critically analyzes the intent and effects of the Assimilation Policy, illustrating how this policy has contributed to blurred identities, racism, and systemic health inequalities, including smoking during pregnancy and lack of educational opportunities. The essay also addresses the impact of racism on the mental health of young Indigenous people, and how the lack of opportunities has contributed to their backward status. Finally, the essay discusses potential methods to close the gap in healthcare outcomes, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education. The work is supported by relevant literature and aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous Australians in accessing equitable healthcare.