Chapter 72: To Get Rich, Build Roads First
"How is the medical department doing? How many hospitals were built last year?" Arthur continued asking.
Like education, healthcare was a major issue tied directly to the lives and well-being of the people. It was also one of the most important factors immigrants considered when choosing where to settle.
After all, no one wants to live in a place with backward education and healthcare—not for themselves, nor for their families or future generations.
"Your Highness, as of now, we've constructed one hospital in each of the six states. However, due to a lack of medical equipment and qualified doctors, most of these hospitals can only handle basic cases. They're not equipped to treat more complex conditions," replied Minister of Health, Bradford Dillman, with a wry smile.
The health department was one of the least prioritized branches of the Australian government, and due to the lack of additional investment from Arthur, its situation remained bleak. Even where hospitals had been built, there weren't enough staff to operate them properly.
"Incorporate medical training into our technical school. The healthcare sector is vital to Australia's development, and we must ensure we have enough doctors in our hospitals to serve our population. In addition, we must not halt our efforts to recruit talent from Europe. The Health Department may apply for funding and work with the Foreign Affairs Office to bring in medical professionals from countries like Britain and Germany," Arthur said after some thought.
Healthcare was one of the problems that needed to be addressed urgently. It not only affected infant survival rates but also the well-being of the entire population.
"Yes, Your Highness," said Dillman, visibly more hopeful.
"We can pause the hospital construction plan for now. Having one hospital per state is sufficient for the moment. I'd like the Health Department to focus next on building small clinics. I want to see basic clinics in every city. That is what will truly improve Australia's healthcare environment," Arthur added.
While hospitals could serve large populations, they also required significantly more staff and funding.
And for many Australians, the problem wasn't the lack of hospitals—it was that they couldn't afford to visit one.
Until poverty could be solved, even a country full of hospitals wouldn't fix the healthcare issue.
Clinics, on the other hand, were much smaller. Generally, one doctor was enough to run one.
They were also less expensive to operate and, although they couldn't treat serious or rare illnesses, they were far more accessible—especially to low-income citizens.
"Yes, Your Highness," Dillman nodded, having anticipated the order.
To truly improve the healthcare system, Australia needed to train medical professionals domestically. That would take years, even a decade, before any noticeable change could be seen.
Building clinics was the most realistic solution for now—at least until there were more doctors to staff full hospitals.
"Let's continue the briefing," Arthur prompted.
"Your Highness, beyond the previously discussed sectors, we've also made notable improvements in public security, agricultural land, road infrastructure, and industrial development. Here is a summary report for your review," said Prime Minister Evan respectfully, handing over several documents.
When a nation transitioned from division to unification, it often ushered in a wave of economic and infrastructural development.
Australia was no exception. After unifying, the formerly disconnected states had begun active cultural and economic exchange, spurring national growth.
Arthur nodded.
He was already aware of the security improvements, thanks to police reform, the establishment of new stations, and the training of qualified recruits.
Unification and a functioning government were also critical contributors to law and order.
Where there is chaos, crime thrives. But when a country unifies, centralizes power, and implements new policies, that darkness has nowhere to hide.
"How much farmland do we currently have under cultivation? Can each immigrant be allocated a piece of land?" Arthur asked.
As a country built on immigration, land and housing were Australia's most powerful tools to attract newcomers.
One of the reasons for Europe's emigration boom—aside from war—was the scarcity of land caused by overpopulation.
Australia, with its vast territory and small population, had no such problem. Land was its most abundant asset.
If it could use land grants to lure immigrants, the benefits would far outweigh the costs.
"Your Highness, our new immigrants are currently being allocated an average of ten acres each. However, most of that is undeveloped land that must be cleared by the immigrants themselves," said Minister of Agriculture Henris.
The small population meant that, despite having vast land resources available for distribution, much of it remained uncultivated and required significant labor to make usable.
"We can consider increasing land allotments, and we should also provide newcomers with some assistance. We must continue to expand our agricultural land if we want to support a growing population," Arthur said with a nod.
Though usable farmland made up a small percentage of Australia's total landmass, the country had over 7 million square kilometers of territory. The actual potential for agricultural expansion was still enormous.
"Yes, Your Highness," Henris replied with a nod.
"How is our progress on road construction? What plans are in place for highways and railways?" Arthur turned to ask Minister of Transport, Conraight.
As the saying goes, to get rich, build roads first. The pace of transportation development often determines how quickly an economy and industry can grow.
Now that Arthur had secured the talents of Benz and Diesel, rapid developments in automobile technology were inevitable.
Given that, Australia's road construction needed to be made a top priority. They couldn't have unreliable automobiles bouncing down dirt roads, frustrating drivers to the point of tears.
(End of Chapter)
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