Question for the Canadians on board

snowman · #1 01-10-2006, 11:07 PM

I am curious to know how your national health care sytem works. Is it efficient? Who runs it? How is it funded? Do you get quality care? etc.

I ask because there is talk in California about a generalized health care system. Just curious to know how your works.

Thanks!

SteveMacD · #2 01-10-2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowman

I am curious to know how your national health care sytem works. Is it efficient? Who runs it? How is it funded? Do you get quality care? etc.

I ask because there is talk in California about a generalized health care system. Just curious to know how your works.

I watch CBC news religiously (not digging the new graphics that debuted yesterday, BTW...No picture of the Toronto skyline during the opening of The National...NOT good), so here's my take.

The health care system is funded by the federal government, but is administered by the provinces. Canadians seem to have a love-hate relationship with their health care system. Most Canadians feel that the quality of the health care system is excellent, and moving towards an American-style system is not desirable. However, there is an issue with access to the health care system, as wait times, especially for joint replacement surgeries, can be pretty brutal. Also, there does not appear to be a standard for the health care system from province to province.

Now, an interesting factoid about the Canadian health care system is that it was created by Tommy Douglas, who is the father of actress Shirley Douglas, who happens to be the mother of Keifer Southerland. Tommy Douglas was voted Greatest Canadian on the CBC show Greatest Canadian.

catinthedark · #3 01-11-2006, 12:49 AM

^^ I think Steve described it perfectly.

(So, you don't like our new graphics, eh?

There are lost of people who hated the shot of the Toronto skyline... What do you think of the new theme? I like it... but I loved our old theme...)

#4 01-11-2006, 01:02 AM

Well as a american who lives in canada for many years now..I have to agree there is a love/hate relationship on the health care system.
Pros..everyone gets some health coverage no matter the income..
Cons...the long long waits for surgeries and treatment for radiation .cancer treatments..heart specialist.etc..It is very very scarey..
I am on a waiting list for surgery for almost 2 years now for surgery..
I have a friend on the west coast who was diagnosed with breast cancer and her surgery was cancelled because there is no specialist (mamogramist) to read the results and to help pinpoint where the tumor is located..Therefore by putting her surgery off and her having to go to another town 2 hours away and getting new surgeon ,(where she had to wait on another waiting list to be seen)had to perform all the pretests again.the cancer has now spread into lyhmp nodes..there are many canadians who pay out of there own pockets to travel to the states to get treatment and some provinces are evening sending patients to us..for treatments ..There is a critical shortage of doctors. and nurses in canada..
I also have friends who are drs.and surgeons and the loop holes they must go through to work in canada are unbelievable.therefore alot are heading to UsA..
ok ..thats my rant for now..

HomerMcvie · #5 01-11-2006, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonChilde

Therefore by putting her surgery off and her having to go to another town 2 hours away and getting new surgeon ,(where she had to wait on another waiting list to be seen)had to perform all the pretests again.the cancer has now spread into lyhmp nodes..

Wow, that sucks! I'm sorry for your friend. I'd always hoped the Canadian system was what we really needed here, but this really changes my opinion. Disregard, or inability to deal with something as aggresive as certain cancers, in a TIMELY FASHION, really makes the system ineffective.
Anyone can give an antibiotic shot, but when it comes to a life threatening illness, time is of the essence (duh).

tynan88 · #6 01-11-2006, 02:42 AM

Does Canada or the US have a universal healthcare system? From what I gather Canada does but the US doesn't. To be honest thank god for universal cover I have had a few friends that go through cancer treatment that no way could have afforded it otherwise.
Our system is run by the states and often stretched to the limits but at the same time I often put it in perspective and realise how lucky we are.

HomerMcvie · #7 01-11-2006, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tynan88

Does Canada or the US have a universal healthcare system? From what I gather Canada does but the US doesn't. To be honest thank god for universal cover I have had a few friends that go through cancer treatment that no way could have afforded it otherwise.
Our system is run by the states and often stretched to the limits but at the same time I often put it in perspective and realise how lucky we are.

You gather the situation correctly. In the US, healthcare insurance(provided by "better" employers) is nearly as important as one's paycheck, especially if a whole family needs the coverage. I don't believe anyone is denied healthcare though, at least at government owned hospital(except maybe for high dollar experimental treatments).

I pay $100/month for $2500/year deductable, which is cheap(cheap because I'm never sick, and go to the doctor maybe once every other year-my insurance agent told me that's why it's still reasonable).

tynan88 · #8 01-11-2006, 03:15 AM

Has there ever been a serious push for universal health cover in America...I don't like criticising to be honest because every country has faults but here our universal access to health care is seen pretty much as an instilled right to everyone not just those that can afford it.
By the way, we do also have a private health system that some people get, I know our family is currently covered by a plan that costs us about $10/week.

HomerMcvie · #9 01-11-2006, 03:24 AM

Like everything, it all comes down to money. How many doctors want to go from making a sh*t ton of money, to making an acceptable salary? Our system's been in place for so long, that only the poor and middle class(shut up), want it changed. Most politicians come from privileged backrounds, so change is nowhere in sight.

Socialized medicine is a lovely thought, though....

markolas · #10 01-11-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tynan88

Has there ever been a serious push for universal health cover in America...I don't like criticising to be honest because every country has faults but here our universal access to health care is seen pretty much as an instilled right to everyone not just those that can afford it.

There was about 15 years ago, but it never had a chance...things like that are immediately dismissed as "socialism" in the US. Canada is light years ahead of the US on several issues...I just hope the conservatives up there don't ruin it.