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N e w s - F u l l S t o r y :
Canadians worried about state of health care: study WebPosted Thu Feb 22 13:05:57 2001 OTTAWA-- A new survey by the Conference
Board of Canada shows a majority of Canadians believe their health care system
is deteriorating. The board looked at Canadians' values and attitudes towards
health care over the last decade.
The report's author, Stephen Vail, says patient satisfaction remains high,
but there is concern about access to necessary services.
"Canadians are still committed to the principles underpinning Medicare
and the Canada Health Act particularly the value of universality," says
Vail, adding "they value quality and efficiency when it comes to health
care."
A survey done in 1999 found 78 per cent of Canadians believe there is waste
and inefficiency in the system and it needs to be addressed.
Vail says the most recent study discovered one-third to one-half of Canadians
are now willing to consider user fees or cost-sharing arrangements to address
system inefficiencies, or to ensure greater access to quality services, "as
long as no one is denied necessary care because they can't pay."
Vail says the study also shows Canadians are particularly interested in
options that increase accountability for the way health care money is spent.
"The results suggest that there are a number of value tensions that will
serve as the backdrop for future debate on how we ensure a sustainable health
care system," said Vail.
The author of the report, entitled Canadians' Values and Attitudes on
Canada's Health Care System, says a key public policy issue over the next 10
years will concern the way the system ensures access to the highest quality
services while at the same time keeping tax levels at an acceptable level.
The Conference Board says this balance will be especially important when
considering the funding of programs like enhanced home care or pharmacare.
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