It's a disease that was all but eradicated in white Australia decades ago, but in remote towns like Doomadgee, in Queensland, people are dying from rheumatic heart disease without the care they need.

In some cases, girls and young women in need of life-saving surgery have been offered nothing more than a Panadol passed through a hospital grate, and then sent away.

Today, ABC 4 Corners reporter Louise Milligan on her investigation into a deep failing in public health, and why more young women will die.

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Louise Milligan, reporter, ABC TV 4 Corners

Dr Bo Remenyi, paediatric cardiologist

Martin Evans, Doomadgee community member

Marilyn Haala, Doomadgee community member