CURRY: SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH CARE IN CANADA

[Oscar]

CURRY: SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH CARE IN CANADA

by Bill Curry Wynyard Advance Gazette March 10, 2014

Dear Editor,

Fortunately, Canadian Doctors for Medicare (CDM) supports public health care, because 2014 will be a big year for protecting Medicare.

This year, the Federal Health Accord expires, with no plan to replace it.

As CDM describes, "Funding has been sharply redistributed across provinces, leaving many struggles to deliver care that meets national standards. And there's a dangerous legal attack before the courts that could turn Canada into a US-style system where what's in your bank account dictates the kind of health care you'll get."

The 2004 Accord, between federal government and provinces, set nationwide funding and standards. It aimed to improve our system by working towards a national pharmacare strategy, providing more home care, reforming primary care and increasing innovation.

Dr. Monika Dutt, chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, states: "The Accord hasn't delivered the change our system needs. Sadly, Ottawa has walked away from the table." Yet "a national Health Accord is needed to ensure equitable care no matter which province you live in." CDM "will continue to insist on a federal commitment to Canada's health."

CDM website: [ http://www.canadiandoctorsformedicare.ca ]

Some public events in support of our countrywide public health system will take place across Canada, March 31. [ http://healthcoalition.ca/Map/ ]

To your health!

Bill Curry,
Wynyard, Sask.