People had travelled from Hawker and Leigh Creek to join locals in seeking more information from the government about the effects the plan will have on their health services.

Doctor Tony Lian-Lloyd was at the meeting and said that the person speaking on behalf of Health Minister John Hill was "just reciting a press release," and could not answer any specific questions about the fate of rural health.

"The people were disappointed because they could not get answers from a senior political person from public health," he said.

"It makes you wonder."

Dr Lian-Lloyd said that the State Government’s Task Force was a political reaction to the issue.

"It is a vague nebulas concept which is yet to bare any fruit," Dr Lian-Lloyd said.

Country Health SA country services director Tom Nielson told the gathering they would continue to receive the same level of services at the local hospital for now and "any change to that will only be once the taskforce completes its review and reports it to the Minister for Health for consideration".

"The cuts to smaller country hospitals will further isolate smaller rural towns," Dr Lian-Lloyd said.

He described the State Government’s response as "smoke and mirrors" that had not reassured the rural people.

"How the government can let this happen is a problem for rural people," he said.

"The task force was never in the original health care plan."

Dr Lian-Lloyd said that cuts to rural health services would result in hospitals or clinics becoming no more than first aid stations.