Hello, Healthwatchers! 👋
Welcome back to The Weekly Dose. This week, a legal fight kicks off over the privacy of our digital health information. Then there’s Pharmacare—after a year of negotiations it’s on the table, but is the real debate just beginning? Seems like it.
Fertility tracker app faces class–action over data sharing with Meta
A class-action has been certified against Flo Health in B.C., alleging the unauthorized sharing of users' sensitive health information with Facebook and other entities.
Why it's important: This lawsuit will test and help define the limits of privacy in our digital age. It also exposes the need for data protection regulations as personal health information becomes increasingly digitized through new virtual health platforms.
With claims that Flo Health shared intimate details about users' health with third parties without consent, the case not only questions the ethical responsibilities of developers but reveals vulnerabilities baked-in to digital health applications. As mass adoption of virtual care scales up across the country, the lawsuit could set key precedent for how sensitive personal data is protected and how digital health platforms are regulated. A fertility app is not a virtual care platform, but there’s a real potential for some legal spillover. Maybe that’s not a bad thing?
Read more…
Podcast: Althia Raj explores the tug-of-war over Pharmacare
With the long-awaited introduction of a national pharmacare bill, the debate over details is intensifying rather than winding down. Raj had some big names on this week to share a mix of perspectives, including Health Minister Mark Holland.
Why it's important: I don’t normally put podcasts in here, and in general that will apply in future issues, but this is a special case. If you’re following pharmacare developments you need to listen to this one. Here it is on Apple and Spotify.
The bill made waves over the past two weeks with its proposed national coverage for both diabetes medications and contraception. However, its success hinges on provincial buy-in and navigation of a complex battlefield where public health ambitions are already clashing with economic and political realities. In this podcast you’ll hear perspectives from a wide range of experts, including Dr. Eric Hoskins, pharmacy leaders Kristen Watt and Justin Bates, Stephen Frank of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, among many others. Finally, Mark Holland offers some candid insights. His interview comes near the end of the episode.
Listen…
Canadian Covid Society launches to champion ongoing awareness and prevention
In response to dwindling public health measures against COVID, the Canadian Covid Society has been launched by a national group of medical professionals and experts.
Why it's important: As COVID continues to impact health systems and communities, the new non-profit aims to galvanize public attention and legislative focus on the pandemic's ongoing challenges, including long COVID.
With public health agencies scaling back on COVID programs and awareness, the CCS is likely to emerge as a key voice in the years ahead, advocating for continued vigilance against the virus and support for those affected. They also wrote us this piece, which explains in detail why they’ve formed and what they plan to do. Central to their message is the importance of organizing and creating formal structures to promote comprehensive public health strategies, relieving volunteers of this task.
Read more…
Concerns arise as pay-for-plasma clinics expand to Ontario
Amidst growing debate over paid versus voluntary plasma donations, Ontario welcomes new clinics that compensate donors, sparking dialogue about the impact on the national blood supply.
Why it's important: Our top story last week, the expansion of pay-for-plasma introduces a new dynamic into Canada’s donation landscape. Advocates say compensating donors will undermine the voluntary donation system.
With three clinics slated to open in Ontario and plans for more, questions abound about the ethical considerations of compensating donors and the cost implications of a 15-year partnership between CBS and a private company. While aiming to bolster the national plasma supply, crucial to the production of vital therapies, the move has observers concerned. Pay-for-plasma clinics currently operate in SK, AB and NB. At present, Canada purchases ~85% of our plasma supply from the U.S. and other countries.
Read more…
MRI wait times in Newfoundland: A patient's ordeal
Alanna McDonald's near two-year wait for an MRI reveals systemic issues within Newfoundland and Labrador's healthcare system, culminating in a life-changing diagnosis.
Why it's important: With diagnostic wait times extending far beyond what is medically advisable, the urgency to address and reform access to services has never been clearer.
After enduring migraines, vision issues, and facial numbness for almost two years, McDonald was ultimately determined to have a 3cm brain tumour. Her delayed MRI not only prolonged diagnosis but limited her treatment options to major surgery, which could have been avoided with more timely imaging. Her case points to a broader narrative prevalent in Atlantic provinces and rural areas, where patients face lengthy waits for crucial diagnostics. As N–L moves to expand MRI access and streamline referrals, McDonald's experience exemplifies the need for systemic change.
Read more…
Alabama does an about-face on IVF
Alabama lawmakers passed a bill providing immunity to IVF patients and providers, following a theologically-based Supreme Court ruling that classified frozen embryos as children.
Why it's important: Yes, it’s a U.S. story, but I featured it here a couple of weeks ago and figured I should continue the thread. The new law seeks to reconcile the state's stance on embryonic personhood with the reality that most Republicans support (or at least don’t oppose) IVF.
While the new law offers temporary relief to those seeking fertility treatments, it leaves unanswered questions about embryos' legal rights and the potential for future litigation. It’s a legislative band-aid that opens up its own set of legal debates poised to challenge the state—and ripple beyond it—for years to come. This includes whether there could be legal consequences for people or clinics that decide not to implant stored embryos and what obligations exist for their care.
Read more…
And that’s a wrap! For newcomers and long-time readers alike, we're constantly working to enhance your experience with Canada Healthwatch. Whether through our app, this newsletter, or the site, our goal is to keep you at the forefront of healthcare news and discussions. If you have stories you're passionate about or feedback on how we can make things better, I'm all ears.
Thank you for being an essential part of this endeavour.
Let's do this again next week. 😊
Yours in health,
Nick Tsergas
National Health News Editor
Canada Healthwatch
[email protected] | canadahealthwatch.ca