Hello, Healthwatchers! 👋
This weekāa vibrant exploration of some pressing health issues in Canada, and beyond.
There are some big stories, important stories, sleeper stories and even an American story (I felt like mixing it up).
The NDP and Liberals have reached a deal on Pharmacare
The NDP and Liberals have struck a deal for Canada's first national pharmacare program, initially covering birth control and diabetes meds.
Why it's important: Not all of the details are out there yet, but the draft legislation seems sufficiently comprehensive to satisfy the NDP (which Iām a bit surprised about). Whatās covered: oral contraceptives and IUDs, insulin, generic oral diabetes meds and blood sugar monitoring supplies.
By focusing on birth control and diabetes, the pharmacare plan directly addresses widespread population health needs, offering relief to countless people. While details are still emerging, the program's promise to prioritize generics and support provinces in insulin pump costs illustrates the delicate dance the federal Liberals must do here, striking a balance between fiscal prudence, avoiding jurisdictional overreach, and rolling out a plan seen as sufficiently substantive by their dance partner, the NDP. This draft legislation, which NDP sources say āpoints toā a single-payer, universal system, lays the foundation for a more equitable health landscape while showing the power of cross-party collaboration in driving meaningful change.
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But are you really immune to measles? PHAC issues urgent call for vaccination
In response to rising measles cases globally and in Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada is urging full measles immunization, especially before travel.
Why it's important: With measles surging globally and sporadic occurrences in Canada, the advisory is especially important for GenX-ers and millennials. Prior to 1996 the vaccine schedule for measles was just one dose. Anyone born before ā96 should either check their immune status or get a booster.
The virusā airborne nature adds to the sense of urgency here. Despite Canada considering measles eradicated in 1998, recent years have seen us dip well below the 95% vaccination threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks, attributed in-part to COVID disruptions. With the drop in immunizations and March Break travelāparticularly to hotspots like Floridaājust around the corner, thereās a real potential for a Canadian measles epidemic in our near future. Earlier this week, provincial health bodies began to issue warnings to local health units, urging them to prepare for outbreaks in the weeks ahead.
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Pharmacy chainsā MedsCheck billing draws scrutiny
Pharmacy consultations for patient medication reviews (aka MedsChecks) have come under scrutiny, raising questions around program implementation and oversight.
Why it's important: Shoppers Drug Mart and other corporate pharmacies have been accused of leveraging the MedsCheck program to secure higher compensation from the Ontario government.
Allegations suggest that these services are being billed to the provincial government at rates significantly higher than what family doctors receive for comprehensive patient exams, with concerns that many of these consultations may be unnecessary and unsolicited. The pivot to phone-based consultations during the early days of the pandemic, along with looser documentation requirements, has further fueled concerns. The situation has led to calls for an examination of the roles of corporate pharmacies in public health programs, making sure that as pharmaciesā roles expand, their primary focus remains on delivering quality care to patients.
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Shifts in healthcare funding spark criticism
Ontario's increased funding for private clinics, at the apparent expense of public hospitals, is igniting concern over the sustainability of public healthcare in the province.
Why it's important: A 212% surge in private clinic funding from 2022 to 2023 is raising alarms about diminishing resources for public hospitals. Critics argue this trend will compromise the integrity of public healthcare, favouring a more costly model that may not serve all Ontarians equally.
The funding shift, defended by the province as a way to reduce wait times and expand access to procedures, contrasts sharply with the financial struggles faced by public hospitals and the higher costs to taxpayers associated with moving services to private facilities. Critics fear the shift may prioritize convenience over comprehensive care, eventually sidelining those unable to access or afford private options. This pivotal moment in Ontario's health policy demands a nuanced approach, ensuring policy interventions don't undermine the foundational principles of public healthcare.
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Alabama's IVF treatments in limbo after court ruling
The University of Alabama halted IVF treatments following a state Supreme Court ruling early last week that classified frozen embryos as children.
Why it's important: Itās an American story, but if you didnāt hear about it I think youāll want to. Alabamaās court ruling not only affects those seeking IVF within the state, it signals more court challenges to reproductive rights across the U.S., amid evolving legal interpretations post-Roe.
The court's decision, deeply rooted in theological arguments, asserts that frozen embryos are equivalent to children, allowing a couple to sue for the "wrongful death" of their embryos. Healthcare providers and patients fear this will lead to increased liability insurance costs, legal risks, and force closures of services. Notably, Florida Republicans introduced a bill last month that will have similar implications if passed into law. Amidst the turmoil, efforts like the Access to Family Building Act seek to safeguard access to fertility treatments, establishing access to IVF as a right.
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Ontario braces for surge in senior care needs
With a sharp spike predicted in its population of seniors, Ontario faces imminent demand for more home-care workers to sustain current service levels.
Why it's important: A report commissioned by Home Care Ontario forecasts the number of Ontarians aged 75+ to rise by 350,000 in 5 years. Thatās about a 30% increase, and it means the province is going need a lot more home care staff.
This workforce expansion is crucial for sustaining current home care service levels and easing the load on hospitals and long-term care. The province anticipates needing an additional 6,800 PSWs by 2029 to keep pace with growing demand. This is yet another facet of the broader issue of healthcare workforce shortages and the need for strategic planning to make sure our aging populations receive the care and support they will need. All provinces, truly, are well-advised to take a proactive approach in recruiting and retaining home care professionals. Addressing this demand is key to managing a proliferation of chronic conditions and keeping seniors out of hospitals, thereby optimizing the efficiency and responsiveness of health systems.
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That completes our journey through the healthcare cosmos this week. I hope these stories offer you new perspectives, arm you with knowledge, and help you meet the week head-on, feeling a bit more up on things than you otherwise mightāve. And as always, I hope this newsletter not only informs, but sparks thoughtful conversations irl. Until next time Healthwatchers!
Yours in health,
Nick Tsergas
National Health News Editor
Canada Healthwatch
[email protected] | canadahealthwatch.ca