Prevent profiteering from our community's healthcare system
In the heart of Canada, Ontario's healthcare system is facing a significant challenge. The privatization of this vital service, spearheaded by the current government led by Premier Doug Ford, threatens to transform Ontario's healthcare into a US-style for-profit system.
Recent events have highlighted the potential consequences of this shift. A senior citizen named Maureen was charged $7,000 by a private clinic for eye surgery, despite being on a fixed income. This incident is just one of many, as a complaint was made to the Ford government last spring by 50 patients, including Maureen, who were charged or manipulated into paying for medically unnecessary add-ons in private clinics.
The Ontario Health Coalition, an advocacy group, is at the forefront of the movement to keep public health services public. They argue that the privatization of healthcare would lead to increased costs and reduced accessibility for many Ontarians.
The situation is particularly concerning when considering Ontario's current funding for public hospitals, which is the lowest among all provinces. This funding shortfall has led to the closure of public hospitals' operating rooms in the evenings, weekends, and even permanently.
Last year, Ontario experienced more than 1,100 emergency department closures, with local hospitals, some of which have been in existence for over a century, at risk of permanent closures. These closures disproportionately affect small communities, leaving them without essential health services.
The privatization of healthcare services extends beyond hospital surgeries and diagnostics. The Ford government is redirecting more than a billion dollars per year from public taxes to fund private for-profit clinics and staffing corporations. This shift is also evident in the government's decision to give primary care to for-profit chains and privatize public health services like COVID testing, vaccines, and more.
Comparatively, data from the OECD shows that Ontario has fewer hospital beds per person than Chile and Mexico, raising questions about the quality and accessibility of healthcare in the province.
In response to these concerns, a petition is being circulated to collect signatures from people who want to stop the closures of health services. Demonstrations have also been held across the province, highlighting the number of closed emergency rooms and the loss of access to health services in small communities.
It's important to remember that for-profit clinics in Ontario are allowed to bill OHIP and charge patients on top of their services. This practice, known as extra-billing and user fees, is illegal and unethical, particularly for medically necessary surgeries and tests that should be covered by OHIP.
The Ontario government is responsible for enforcing medicare laws to protect patients like Maureen from such practices. However, the privatization of healthcare services could weaken these protections, leaving Ontarians vulnerable to exorbitant costs.
In the United States, medical costs are the top reason for bankruptcy, with 56 million Americans struggling with medical debt, more than Canada's entire population. This stark contrast underscores the importance of maintaining a publicly funded healthcare system in Ontario.
In conclusion, every one of us can make a difference in opposing the privatization of Ontario's healthcare system. Sign the petition, attend demonstrations, and spread awareness to ensure that Ontario's healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all.
