Health Minister Abbott Speaks at "Healthier You" Expo

By 250 News

Health Minister George Abbott spoke about the successes and challenges of delivering health care to British Columbians at the Civic Centre this morning during the "Healthier You" Expo.

As part of the successes Minister Abbott applauded British Columbians for claiming the status of living the longest, "we live longer in B.C. than anyone on earth."  Men are now living on average to 80 years of age and woman outliving men by 4.5 years.  British Columbians are living longer as we smoke less than anywhere in Canada, and we have an active population.  Minister Abbott also spoke of British Columbia as having one of the best cancer treatment centres and care in Canada.

Challenges to the health care system include:

Budget:  The health care budget accounts for 43-44% of the Provincial budget.  This includes 2 million visits annually to emergency rooms, 10-15% admitted to acute care, 20 million visits to a physicians annually and 100,00 to 140,00 healthcare workers.

Age Demographic:  Over the next 25 years there will be a 100 % growth in seniors.  By 2026, 1.4 million of the population will be over age 65.  The population we will be counting on to give care to the aging demographic will be smaller than what it is today.

Increase in Surgeries:  In the last six years there has been a significant increase in surgeries such as hip replacements, knee surgeries and angioplasties.

Chronic Diseases:  80% of the health care system is taken up by those who have one or more chronic disease such as diabetes, asthma or hypertension.  Chronic diseases have also increased due to the increase of obesity.

Fertility Rates Decreasing:  We are not reproducing in the same manner as we did in the past.

In order to help combat these challenges Minister Abbott suggests that there needs to be an increase in disease prevention, primary care and chronic disease management, (with an emphasis on geriatric assessments versus emergency room / acute care), training health care professionals, driving down surgical wait times and assessment of the pharmacare system as too many people are relying on pharmaceuticals.

Minister Abbott also suggests that "British Columbians need to take better care of themselves.  "With proper exercise (30-60 min a day) and diet we can lead healthier lives."

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