Yet the Rural Doctors Association of Australia has warned that fixing the rural health crisis will require more than just one round of hospital funding.

RDAA president, Nola Maxfield, said rural health will need a "systematic, big picture approach" that builds the rural health workforce and ensures the sustainability of rural practices.

"Building new wings on some of our regional and rural hospitals and putting in extra beds will certainly be welcomed, but this will not in itself address the urgent need for an additional 17,000 health professionals, including 1800 doctors, in the bush," Dr Maxfield said.

"In reality, there are many areas of rural healthcare that need significant funding before the Government can reasonably say it has delivered equitable access to healthcare for those living in country Australia."

Chair of the National Rural Health Alliance, Jenny may, said those who live and work in the bush will hold the Prime Minister to her commitment to "keep delivering to regional Australia day after day".

"A very positive start has been made with Prime Minister Gillard's strong focus on equity in education for country people and commitment to priority roll-out of broadband in regional areas at the same wholesale price as in the major cities," Dr May said.

"…giving preferential treatment to regional areas in order to provide equity to people in those areas is long overdue and a very welcome principle."