Door Ajar for Private Health Care

Thursday, June 09, 2005 04:08 AM

The Supreme Court has ruled the Quebec government cannot prevent people from paying for private insurance for procedures covered under medicare. That would seem to open the door for the establishment of a private system, but at this point, only in Quebec.

Northern Medical Society Executive Director Dr. Bert Kelly says "While it appears the ruling only applies to Quebec, no doubt challenges will be launched by other provinces. It will be interesting to see how this will impact British Columbia The Northern Medical Society has always supported the idea of a private surgical service that would augment the existing services, especially given the lack of capacity of the public system."

The case put before the Supreme Court had two components. One was the case of a 73 year old man who waited nearly a year for hip surgery, the other involved a Physician who tried and failed to set up a private hospital in Quebec

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2005 04:08 AM in News by Elaine Macdonald

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: Chadermando on June 9 2005 11:48 AM

I welcome this news. My grandma here in PG recently had a stroke that wasn't diagnosed for over 10 days even though she had seen the doctor and complained of pains. It cost her her vision in one eye last weekend. IMO it was unacceptable that she could not get the MRI she was asking for.

The system failed her and that is sad because my grandparents have given far more to this community than anyone else IMO. Through the 60's, 70's, 80's and early 90's my grandpa's company built virtually all the major infrastructure both public and private in PG and the North. In addition to that they have donated far more to charity than anyone I am aware of and never asked for nothing in return living a modest lifestyle.

To see Grandma not get the medical attention when she needed it makes me mad and want to support the private health care option so this does not ever happen again.

Posted by: spanky on June 9 2005 6:52 PM

Yeah that is a great sentimental story there Chadder. However, IMO it is people with ideas like yours that ruin public health care. So granny lost some sight and obviously she could have afforded private health care. But what about all the other people that can get tests, scans etc. that cannot afford the private option? Let them die? We need to fix the existng system for evryones benefit not opt out of it for the benefit of only those that can afford to. Think of this country and everyone in it not just your own family. Peace out brother.

Posted by: Chadermando on June 9 2005 10:51 PM

Spanky, I see no reason why we can't have a two track (not tier) health care system.

The parocial theocracy makes no sense in a country that stands for individualism.

I am not saying people that can't afford health care should not have a public health care system fully funded, because that would not be good for me or anyone else.

That said a person should have a right to spend their own money as they see fit in a free society. If that means life or death and the option of going down a second user pay track to increase your security than I think the only ethical answer is to allow the freedom of choice, without taking away from the security of others.

Posted by: Chadermando on June 9 2005 10:54 PM

Also Spanky in the case of a stroke time is everything. If the public system will not respond it is only ethical to allow a private option.

Posted by: rock on June 10 2005 12:03 PM

Hey ladies and gents,
We already have a 2 teir system,tier 2 in Canada and if that dosen't work for you all you have to do is hop on a plane fly down to the Mayo clinic,oh yah bring your cheque book....
Chadderman,tough break for granny,I hope she's doing better

Rock

Posted by: spanky on June 10 2005 5:24 PM

Yup ImO send her down to seattle on the bus. Two tier across the line.

Posted by: Chadermando on June 11 2005 5:53 PM

Things are looking up and she is now getting the care she required. Tough old lady I tell you.

Posted by: Opatcho on June 13 2005 10:12 AM

All the rich welcome the news of private health care. And thats the problem. We need to get the greed out of the system instead of using it for a cash cow. We have lost sight of what our social needs are. My Grandma and Grandpa also helped build our Nation. thousands of our young men and women died for it. But we continue to think of whats best for me. Lets get out of the box.
Have a nice day