Prevent the exploitation of our public health care systems for financial gain
In the province of Ontario, a significant shift in the funding of healthcare services is causing concern among citizens and advocacy groups. More than a billion dollars per year is being redirected from public taxes to fund private for-profit clinics and staffing corporations, according to recent reports.
This diversion of funds comes at a time when Ontario's hospitals are facing drastic downsizing. The province now has 35,000 hospital beds for its 16.2 million people, a decrease from 50,000 beds for 10.3 million people in 1990. This puts Ontario in an unfavourable position, as only Chile and Mexico have fewer hospital beds per person, according to OECD data.
The Ontario Health Coalition is urging people to take action, stating that the privatization of healthcare goes against standing up for Canada. The coalition is advocating for public health services to remain public and not be privatized, and demonstrations are being held across the province to raise awareness about closed emergency rooms and access to health services in small communities.
One of the concerns raised by the coalition is the issue of extra-billing and user fees. A complaint was made to the Ford government last spring from 50 patients, including a senior named Maureen, who were charged or manipulated into paying for medically unnecessary add-ons in private clinics. Maureen, who was charged $7,000 by a private clinic for eye surgery, said this is a burden on her fixed income.
The Ontario government is responsible for enforcing medicare laws to protect patients like Maureen from such practices, and medically needed surgeries and tests should be covered by OHIP. However, the government is allowing private clinics to bill OHIP and charge patients on top.
Public hospitals' operating rooms are closing evenings, weekends, and in some cases permanently due to insufficient funding. Everything that has been cut from public hospitals in Ontario is being privatized, with the government privatizing more and more of its long-term care, hospital surgeries, and diagnostics.
The United States, which has the most privatized health care in the developed world, provides a cautionary tale. Americans pay almost double our costs for care, and medical costs are the top reason for bankruptcy in the United States, with 56 million Americans struggling with medical debt, more than Canada's entire population.
Every one of us can make a difference. A petition is being circulated to collect signatures from people who want to stop hospital closings. If you believe in the importance of public healthcare services, consider adding your name to the petition and standing up for the health and wellbeing of all Ontarians.
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