New immigrants and those from poorer neighbourhoods screened at lower rates If you live in Ontario and you’re turning 50, expect to receive a birthday letter in the mail. Not from your loved ones (though they may send one too), but from Ontario’s provincial cancer agency, Cancer Care Ontario. These birthday letters represent a paradigm […]
Trade policy with the United States puts Canadian medicare in the crosshairs A version of this commentary appeared in the Globe and Mail and the Canadian Health Network and Ottawa Life Magazine. America is facing a growing threat to the health of its citizens. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the American […]
A version of this commentary appeared in the Montreal Gazette, the Hill Times and Victoria Times Colonist There’s nothing like an American health care debate to make Canadians feel lucky. As his first act in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order, taking the first step to repeal the Affordable Care Act. With the stroke […]
Primary care is considered the front door to our health care system. Whether you’re going for a general check-up or have just been diagnosed with cancer, your family doctor makes sure you get the tests, treatment and care you need.
Our first point of contact with the health system — often referred to as ‘primary care’ — should result in prompt and efficient care for our general health concerns, and coordinate our journey through the system when we need more specialized care.
Canada is currently the only developed country with a universal health-care system that does not include universal coverage of prescription drugs. And paradoxically is the most expensive one.
We are talking openly about mental illnesses and addictions now more than ever – and that’s a good thing. Efforts to address the stigma associated with mental illnesses have made it easier for people who have been suffering in silence to seek help.
Since 2006, British Columbia has spent more than a billion dollars to improve primary health care. So have BC patients benefited from such a massive investment? Sadly, it appears not.
