Prevent the exploitation of public healthcare system for financial gain
In Ontario, a growing number of concerns have been raised regarding the privatization of healthcare services, with the Ford government facing criticism for its policies. A complaint made by 50 patients, including Maureen, alleges that they were charged or manipulated into paying for medically unnecessary add-ons in private clinics.
Maureen, a senior on a fixed income, was charged $7,000 by a private clinic for eye surgery, a procedure that should have been covered by OHIP according to the law. The Ontario government, responsible for enforcing medicare laws, is expected to protect patients like Maureen from extra-billing and user fees.
However, the situation is more complex. Ontario provides the lowest funding for public hospitals among all provinces, and data from the OECD shows that only Chile and Mexico have fewer hospital beds per person than Ontario. This underfunding has led to the downsizing of hospitals, with Ontario having 35,000 hospital beds for 16.2 million people, compared to 50,000 beds for 10.3 million people in 1990.
As a result, public hospitals' operating rooms are closed evenings, weekends, and in some cases permanently due to insufficient funding. This has put a strain on the already overburdened private clinics, which are allowed to bill OHIP and charge patients on top.
The privatization of healthcare and the closure of public hospitals has been a contentious issue in Ontario. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has initiated a campaign against these practices, advocating for the preservation of public hospitals. The Ontario Health Coalition, another organization, is also advocating to keep health services public and prevent privatization.
The Ford government's policies have not been without controversy. Demonstrations by the Ontario Health Coalition have documented over 1,100 emergency department closures across the province. The government is also redirecting over a billion dollars per year from public taxes to fund private for-profit clinics and staffing corporations.
The privatization of healthcare has far-reaching implications. 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. In contrast, the United States has the most privatized health care in the developed world, with Americans paying almost double our costs for care.
As the situation in Ontario unfolds, it is clear that every one of us can make a difference in preventing the privatization of Ontario's health care. It is essential to stay informed and advocate for the preservation of our public healthcare system.
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