We’re partnering with the WA Government to fund a global search for ground-breaking solutions to deliver quality health care in the Pilbara.

The new initiative called ‘The Challenge’ will look to reimagine technology and find solutions which deploy digital health to its full potential, so Western Australians living in remote areas can access quality health care services they deserve.

BHP has contributed $1 million to the $5 million total prize pool on offer to applicants that find a solution to deliver better health outcomes in remote WA.

WAIO Asset President Brandon Craig said The Challenge was a great way for BHP to reinforce our commitment to enabling the resilience of the communities where we operate.

“BHP has a long and proud history in the Pilbara, and we know from experience that quality health care in the regions can be difficult to access at times,” he said.

“The Challenge represents a ground-breaking initiative by the State Government to take world-leading technology – which is in use every day at our global operations – and find an innovative solution to improving health delivery in the Pilbara.

“Western Australia is a world leader in resources technology, and we look forward to seeing these exciting, research-based ideas in practice to ensure improved health outcomes for the Pilbara community.”

Innovation and Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said The Challenge was not looking for improvements or adjustments but for real innovation.

“Health outcomes in the Pilbara are significantly poorer than those living in the metropolitan area,” he said.

“Many health issues can easily be treated and resolved if people living in remote areas had access to quality health care offered in Perth.

“We are looking for an outcome which can harness new technology, deploys digital health to its full potential, and ensures all Western Australians can access the health services they need – and deserve.”

The Challenge is looking for submissions from industry, private sector, public sector agencies, universities, research institutes or collaborations from international organisations.

The winner will need to demonstrate proof-of-concept against an outcomes-based framework and integrate solutions into existing models of healthcare delivery in the Pilbara.

Submissions open on 1 February 2023, and close 31 March 2023.

For more information, visit the website: thechallenge.health.wa.gov.au