While at the same time criticizing the B.C. Liberal party, the editorial suggests supporting an idea brought forward by that party, that is allowing more private health care. Sustainability of health care is a phrase that the Liberals have been using to support their notion of allowing private health care. Private health care creates two classes of citizens, those who can jump queues because they have money and those who must use the public system. Private health care thus goes against the Canada Health Act.
Another problem with private health care is that the same health professionals who are working in the public system, also work in the private.This leads to longer wait times in the public system.
Private health care also "cherry picks" the easy patients, leaving the more difficult, time consuming, and expensive ones for the public system. If you have surgery in the private system and you have complications, you have to go to the public system.
There are ways to make our system work better for us, without resorting to private healthcare. Richmond hospital is using an innovative surgery booking system which decreased wait times for knees and hips by 70 per cent.
Have all the necessary health care professionals together at one site so that when one goes to see a physician, one can also see a physiotherapist or a dietician, for example, if needed.
This has been done in Alberta with much success at decreasing wait times.
Train more health professionals such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical lab and medical imaging technologists.
Without these professionals, we don't have a modern health care system and wait times are longer.
Let's get away from the tired ideas of the Liberal party. Say no to private health care. Keep our system public and we all benefit, no matter who is in power.
Heather Sapergia
Prince George
