ABSTRACT
Investigation was made into the health care conditions in a rural district in Akita Prefecture. Topographically, the district is divided into two parts-one characterized by mountain and the other by flat terrain.<BR>1. In remote, depopulated villages, per capita cost of public health is on the increase.<BR>2. The number of health personell, particularly public health nurses, is not enough to carry on various health programs.<BR>3. With the prospect of greater numbers of the aged in society, there is an urgent need for increased medical services along with the consolidation of primary health care. In order to meet the need, it is necessary to establish a regional community health system comprised of a hospital as a nucleus and neighborhood medical instituions such as clinics and health centers.