Health Council of Canada reviews progress since historic agreement by Canada's first ministers
Toronto (5 June 2008) - Despite a nationwide commitment to real and lasting change, and the infusion of billions of dollars by the 2003 Accord on Health Care Renewal, progress falls short of what could and should have been achieved since then, says the Health Council of Canada.
The conclusion is contained in the council's latest report to Canadians, Rekindling Reform: Health Care Renewal in Canada, 2003 to 2008. ? Summary - PDF ? Full Report - PDF
“In 2003, governments promised change and a more collaborative approach to health care, but the health council is concerned that, five years later, governments’ commitment to the spirit of the agreement may be waning,” says Dr. Jeanne Besner, chair of the council. "As we reflect on the speed and direction of health care renewal, we find the glass is at best half full.”
With five years remaining under Canada’s national 10-year plan to strengthen health care, the follow-up federal-provincial-territorial agreement of 2004, Besner says the council is urging governments to strengthen the capacity of the public system to deliver timely, high-quality care.
Undoubtedly, the 2003 accord has been a catalyst for change in some areas, the council adds. It cites the following:
- Major purchases of medical equipment and information technology have boosted the number of services delivered.
- Some jurisdictions have improved the way they manage waiting lists, and most provide wait time information for some procedures on public websites.
- Most Canadians have better access to health information and advice through telephone help lines.
- Some Canadians have better access to publicly insured prescription drugs, to primary health care teams, and to a range of health care services at home or in their communities.
However, the council expresses concern over areas where action has been slower, less comprehensive and less collaborative than envisioned in the accord.
- Catastrophic drug coverage and safe, appropriate prescribing:
The accord promised that all Canadians would, by the end of 2006, have reasonable access to protection from financial hardship from the cost of needed drugs. This has not happened. The National Pharmaceuticals Strategy, promised in 2004 to address this and other issues related to prescription medicines, remains in limbo. - Home care:
The accord promised that all governments would provide short-term publicly-funded home care. The result is two weeks of coverage but this is not adequate for what many people need. Clear disparities remain in the availability and cost of home care across the country. - Aboriginal health:
Any progress to date has occurred on a much smaller scale than envisioned in 2003. What progress has occurred has resulted from the Blueprint on Aboriginal Health, reached by first ministers and national aboriginal leaders in 2005. The scope of preventable health problems in many aboriginal communities continues to be of substantial concern across the country. - Primary health care:
Some Canadians are well served by inter-professional teams delivering primary health care but nationwide progress is uneven and, too often, care is not coordinated, comprehensive or available when patients need it. - Electronic health records and information technology:
Governments agreed to place priority on implementing electronic health records, to strengthen the safety and quality of health care. We are not on track to meet the goal of 50% of Canadians having an electronic health record by 2010. Governments must find ways to accelerate the adoption of these essential tools for health care renewal. Public support for these investments is strong.
“Canadians pay the price for these shortcomings every day," says Dr. Don Juzwishin, the council's chief executive officer. "They pay through missed opportunities to receive appropriate health care and missed opportunities for better health or quality of life."
Besner adds:
"The practical marriage between money and the desire for health care renewal held considerable promise five years ago. Governments promised to eliminate inequities and ensure all Canadians have equal access to the same services, such as primary health care, home care and prescription drugs, regardless of where they lived in the country. Governments must renew their commitment to nationwide change.”
Background
The Health Council of Canada was created by the 2003 First Ministers’ Accord on Health Care Renewal. It is mandated to monitor and report on the progress of health care renewal in Canada. Members of the council are appointed by the participating provinces, territories and the government of Canada.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
