Corporations will rally against pharmacare
This week’s edition of who is saying what about public health care is compiled by Pat Van Horne.
Introduction of pharmacare bill still a fragile victory
Although monumental, this victory is also fragile. We must now prepare for a barrage of efforts by corporate actors to impede any further progress… While the single-payer framework set out in the legislation may have pharmaceutical and insurance companies worried, the first phase of drug coverage will do little to hurt their bottom lines… Together, we must hold our elected representatives’ feet to the fire to rapidly fund, implement, and expand the national pharmacare program… In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis where one out of four Canadians are skipping their medications because they can’t afford them, public universal pharmacare is also what people need and deserve,” wrote Donya Ziaee and Nikolas Barry-Shaw with the Council of Canadians, in the Toronto Star, March 4, 2024
Primary care teams needed too
“Primary care teams are urgently needed to share these responsibilities and make the most of family doctors’ skills. A team approach could provide patients with diabetes easier access to a nurse, dietitian and physiotherapist. People struggling with their mental health could more easily access psychotherapy. Nurses could ensure timely access to cancer screening and vaccines leaving family doctors to look after more complex medical issues. The list goes on,” said Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, Toronto Star, February 29, 2024
Alberta is a scary place for health care
“There is no chance the proposed restructuring will resolve the health-care system’s problems. In fact, the key question is just how much worse they will get. Given the predictable negative outcomes of her proposed plan, Albertans may wonder why (Danielle) Smith has chosen this path,” said Dr. Stan Houston, a semi-retired physician who has worked internationally, in primary care and practised for 31 years as a specialist in Edmonton, The Tyee, February 29, 2024
“Med-check” service being exploited for profit
“It’s a shame, it’s a disappointment. . .I worry that something like this could really could set us back as a profession, as a health-care system, and for patients — ultimately because they are the ones who would potentially miss out and suffer,” said pharmacist Jon Nhan, who left Shoppers Drug Mart last year, CBC News, February 29, 2024
Teamwork, ‘zones’ and the fight to beat the crisis in emergency departments
“The assessment areas aren’t housed or ‘owned’ by any patient. It really is about trying to get the patients in and then get them going out to their next steps,” said Karen Allentoff, Clinical Team Manager, North York, ON, General Hospital, Toronto Star, March 3, 2024
Third death at hospital on Montreal’s South Shore not normal, says paramedic union president
“This is not normal. . . If we do not prioritize the transportation of patients by adding vehicles, it is certain that this will likely happen again in the future,” said Gaétan Dutil, president of the paramedics’ union in the Montérégie region, CBC News Montreal, March 3, 2024
BC is the first province to set nurse-to-patient ratios
“It’s not enough just to recruit nurses, we have to retain and support the nurses that are in place. They are critical to ensuring a healthy, safe and inspired workplace,” said BC Health Minister Adrian Dix.
“The implementation of ratios in hospitals … will be a game changer for how health care is delivered and will be received,” added Adriane Gear, president of the BC Nurses Union, CBC Vancouver News, March 1, 2024
Atlantic taxpayers paid nursing firm for meal allowance, except nobody got to eat
“It’s unacceptable that our government is paying out money with no receipt for no benefit . . .This company is taking advantage of our situation. We have to ensure good use and value for taxpayer dollars,” said Susan Holt, Leader of New Brunswick’s Official Opposition Liberals, Globe and Mail, March 4, 2024
Canada Health Act principles needed at the local level
“The lofty principles of the Canada Health Act are what most Guelph-Wellington citizens want to maintain, however to do so is going to take a lot of courage on the part of our municipal government and other stakeholders to manage public funds more effectively, while following the Canada Health Act principles without exception. This is what was promised to Canadians, this is what Canadians pay for and this is what Canadians have a right to expect,” says Janice Kopinak, a member of the Community Editorial Board, Guelph Today, March 3, 2024
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