The Rural Health Conference

The heart of the Rural Health Conference is in bringing together a diverse group of healthcare workers, activists, researchers, community members and others, who are united by their passion for rural health. You will have the opportunity to hear what's happening at local, provincial and national level from the advocacy organizations who fight for better rural budgets and policies, and to connect with people from different provinces, professions and perspectives on rural health. Whether you are an expert clinician or a student, an activist or an official, a researcher or the mother of a disabled child, your participation is welcomed.
The Rural Health Conference (RHC) has been an annual event since 1996. Initially started as a conference for rural doctors by RuDASA (Rural Doctors Association of South Africa) it has grown into a vibrant meeting of doctors, nurses, therapists, clinical associates, students NGOs and University lecturers interested in improving health care in rural areas. The conferences is now run by a partnership of RuDASA, RuReSA (Rural Rehabilitation South Africa), PACASA (Professional Association of Clinical Associates), and RuNurSA (Rural Nursing South Africa)

RHC 2025

  • Theme: Rural Health in Real Life
  • Dates: Tuesday 16th to Thursday 18th September 2025
  • Conference Theme: Rural Health in Real Life
    The burden of disease is at highest peak in rural areas, therefore warranting the allocation of rural proofing resources that reflect rural needs.

    We are seeking innovative contributions that explore:  the lived realities, challenges, and innovations that shape healthcare in rural communities. It’s about the resilience of healthcare workers, the ingenuity required to deliver services in resource-limited settings, and the voices of the patients whose experiences define the system. This theme invites abstracts that reflect on practical solutions, community-driven initiatives, policy implications, and the personal stories of those working at the heart of rural healthcare. Whether it’s addressing workforce shortages, leveraging technology for better access, or navigating the social determinants of health, we encourage submissions that capture the essence of rural health as it is truly experienced—on the ground, in the clinic, at the bedside, and beyond. 
RHC2019 delegates
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WhatsApp Image 2024-02-22 at 09.03.03
RHC2023 delegates
RuNurSA Award 2019

Celebrating Rural Health

Send us your pics! In 2023 we started celebrating the EXTRAORDINARY service of all our rural health care professionals to honour our doctors, nurses, clinical associates, occupational therapists, physios, speech therapists & audiologists, dieticians, pharmacists, counsellors, community health care workers and more. We had such good responses it is now an annual event Rural Health can be tough, but also inspiring, illuminating, at times hilarious and often life changing. PLEASE SEND US ONE (OR MORE) OF YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM YOUR TIME AT A RURAL HEALTH FACILITY. Include your name, facility, job title at the time the photo was taken, and the date. Add a caption / story if you wish (max 250 words). Upload here

Conference Location 2025

Our venue for this year is in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Please note there is NO ACCOMMODATION at the venue.

Ascot Conference Centre

Contact for general information about the venue: Premi Singh

Phone: 033 386 0801 
Phone: 072 138 8597
email: manager@ascotconference.co.za
Address: 210 Woodhouse Road, Pietermaritzburg