Practical Solutions to Improve Healthcare: More Doctors and Affordable Medicines.
As Canadians we’re proud of our universal health care system. We’re so proud of it we even named Tommy Douglas, the father of medicare, the Greatest Canadian.
Sadly, too many of our friends and neighbours don’t have access to a family doctor. That’s why Olivia Chow has been calling on the government to help train more doctors and nurses.
But doctor and hospital expenses were only ever meant to be the first step for universal health care. It’s time we take the next step for our health care system – a national program to make medicines more affordable.
Nearly four million Canadians have no drug insurance at all. They are spending $4 billion out of pocket for drugs their doctors prescribe. Many are forced to choose between financial hardship and needless suffering.
A national program would include:
• Catastrophic drug coverage for all Canadians
• National bulk-buying – thanks to bulk purchasing, Australia’s drug spending is increasing at half the rate as ours.
• Drug patent reform – to get cheaper generic drugs onto shelves faster.
For six years, the provinces and Jack Layton’s New Democrats have been calling on Ottawa to show leadership on affordable medications. There’s no excuse not to deliver.
