In the United State's current debate about health care reform, many would point to Canada as a shining example of what we should strive for in America. But the Canadian's themselves, in particular the people who would best know the true situation, i.e. its doctors, say that in fact the Canadian system is imploding and there must be change. Here is a key quote from the article:
Dr. Anne Doig says patients are getting less than optimal care, and she adds that physicians from across the country – who will gather in Saskatoon today for their annual meeting – recognize that changes must be made.
"We all agree that the system is imploding, we all agree that things are more precarious than perhaps Canadians realize," Doig told The Canadian Press.
Interestingly, they are talking about bringing some private competition back into the picture to improve things (the opposite direction that reform is going in the US). Also, interestingly, they are talking about stopping yearly lump sum payments to hospitals regardless of how many patients are served and to instead start paying based on number of patients served (kind of like fee for service, which many in the US want to move away from). So it seems Canada and the US are moving in opposite directions on health care. Interesting. Here is the link to the story at the Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/article/681882
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