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- Be Aware Health Care | February 27th,2024
Be Aware Health Care | February 27th,2024
Deal Made For Free Meds? 💊| Shade Thrown at Ontario Government
Marc
February 27, 2024
The Faces of Resilience: Good Luck Premeds
Every year around this time cortisol levels are spiking for a group of Canadians and it’s not because of inflation… not entirely anyway. McMaster University's med school interviews are on the horizon, and the excitement is palpable. With schools like the University of Calgary and Queens already diving in, making it to this point is a testament to the grit and resilience of our premed community from coast to coast.
From conquering undergrad hurdles to facing down beasts like the MCAT and CASPer exams, these students have shown nothing short of unwavering dedication and ironclad determination. As they gear up for these make-or-break interviews, they carry the weight of their journey thus far on their shoulders.
Sure, acceptance rates as low as 5-7% and sky-high academic standards might seem like David vs. Goliath odds. But these future healers are fueled by a passion for service that transcends mere numbers. While our friends south of the border might have much higher acceptance rates, Canadian premeds have their own battlefield to navigate. In a country grappling with physician shortages and long wait times, their role as the next generation of healers couldn't be more crucial.
To all the premed warriors out there, we tip our hats to you and send a tidal wave of good vibes your way. Your journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a beacon of hope for the future of Canadian healthcare.
In this week’s email:
Ontario News
Accusations Thrown at Ford Government
Alert: Measles Making Moves in Ontario!
Eyeing Expansion: Ontario's Cataract Clinic Controversy
Out With New and In With Old! Bill 124 is Officially Scrapped
Peterborough Family Health Team Expands Services
Canada as a Whole 🇨🇦
Deal Stricken for National Pharmacare
The Comeback Shaking Up Canada's Health Scene
Ontario News
Accusations Thrown at Ford Government
The Ontario Health Coalition accuses the Ford government of giving public healthcare the ol' budget squeeze to cozy up with for-profit clinics. According to their latest report, hospitals across the province are sitting on unused operating rooms, but patients are still on surgical waitlists. Health Minister Sylvia Jones, however, is batting away these claims faster than you can say 'scalpel,' insisting they're working hard to expand healthcare access and slash those daunting wait times. But hold onto your stethoscopes, folks, because critics aren't buying it! They're waving red flags about the government's plan to shuffle certain procedures off to non-hospital spots, fearing it's a one-way ticket to privatized healthcare. And if that's not enough drama for you, the report also reveals the 'real dollar' cuts to health budgets, leaving hospitals scrambling while for-profit clinics cash in. Looks like we've got a medical drama brewing, and everyone's on the edge of their gurneys!
Alert: Measles Making Moves in Ontario!
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, just dropped a bombshell warning about the rising threat of measles outbreaks in the province. We're talking four active cases across Canada, and guess where two of them landed? Right here in Ontario. Yikes! These cases all involve children, with one even ending up in the hospital. Dr. Moore's urges that vaccination is key, especially with March break around the corner. Measles is like that unwanted guest who crashes the party – highly contagious and armed with a nasty rash, fever, and a cough that just won't quit. And don't think you're safe just because you're staying put – outbreaks can pop up when unvaccinated folks bring it back from their travels. Canada saw a dozen confirmed cases in 2023 alone, so yes, this is serious. Stay safe out there, and don't forget to roll up those sleeves!
Eyeing Expansion: Ontario's Cataract Clinic Controversy
Ontario's gearing up for a big expansion in private clinics offering publicly funded cataract surgeries, but it looks like there's some shady billing business going on. According to leaked documents, patients have been sounding off about unfair charges, and guess what's topping the list? You guessed it – cataract surgeries. Over the past two years, there've been a whopping 68 complaints filed, and 13 of them are shining a spotlight on those eye-watering fees. NDP health critic France Gelinas thinks this is just the tip of the iceberg. She's suggesting there could be a whole lot more patients out there but not speaking up. When patients do raise a fuss, the government's usual response seems to be a polite reminder that they signed on the dotted line for those extra fees. Opposition parties aren't exactly cheering on this clinic expansion either, fearing it could leave patients high and dry. Health Minister Sylvia Jones is putting on a brave face, promising shorter wait times and insisting patients won't need to dip into their pockets for OHIP-covered services. Still, the move's sparking some serious talks about keeping an eye on these clinics to make sure quality doesn't take a back seat.
Out With New and In With Old! Bill 124 is Officially Scrapped
We hinted at it last issue but it became official! Ontario's government just hit the 'undo' button on Bill 124, a wage-restraint law that had public sector workers feeling the pinch. After getting slapped with not one, but two 'unconstitutional' labels by the province's top court, it's finally getting the boot. This law, introduced back in 2019, had everyone from teachers to nurses demanding repeal. Critics said it only made the healthcare staffing nightmare worse, especially when the pandemic hit, pushing nurses out the door. The repeal's getting support by the large majority of political groups, labor champs, and frontline heroes alike. Looks like it's time to break out the bubbly for some – change is in the air!
Peterborough Family Health Team Expands Services
Big news, for small city Peterborough! The Peterborough Family Health Team is ramping up services at their King Street and Strickland Street clinics. They're now catering to unattached patients with a range of offerings, from prescription renewals to cancer screenings. Plus, for those who've visited once, online appointments for prescription refills are now available. March is screening month, so mark your calendars! CEO Duff Sprague stresses the ongoing need for more family doctors and primary care teams. To book, call 705-651-4866 or visit peterboroughfht.com.
Canada as a Whole 🇨🇦
Deal Stricken for National Pharmacare
The NDP and Liberals just shook hands on a deal: a national pharmacare program that's about to shake up the health care scene. This partnership, part of a larger pact with the minority government, is aiming to put federal dollars where they count – specifically, into the hands of Canadians in need of contraceptives and diabetes meds. Picture this: coverage for prescription birth control, intrauterine devices, and diabetes medication, all under one national umbrella. Sounds pretty sweet, right? While we're still waiting on more details like cost and timeline, advocates are already cheering for improved access to life-saving meds and better healthcare outcomes. But hey, no deal is without its skeptics! Critics are sounding the alarm on potential impacts on private plans. It's a move that's got everyone talking – stay tuned for the next chapter in Canada's healthcare saga.
The Comeback Shaking Up Canada's Health Scene
There's a resurgence in town, and it's not your typical comeback story. Syphilis infections, once on the brink of extinction, are making a startling return, with nearly 14,000 cases reported in 2022 alone. With even 117 cases of congenital syphilis in newborn children. So, what's behind the rise? Changing sex practices and barriers to health care access for marginalized folks are taking center stage. Despite the feds acknowledging the crisis, experts are calling out a serious lack of political muscle to tackle it head-on. The rise of syphilis and other STIs is sounding the alarm for awareness, testing, and targeted outreach. From antibiotic treatments to self-testing options, there's hope on the horizon. But make no mistake – we need to kick things into high gear to nip this growing public health threat in the bud.
Sources:
Accusations Thrown at Ford Government:
https://globalnews.ca/news/10308576/ontario-health-coalition-report-surgery/
Alert: Measles Making Moves in Ontario!:
Eyeing Expansion: Ontario's Cataract Clinic Controversy
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/private-clinic-billing-cataracts-ontario-1.7120818
Out With New and In With Old! Bill 124 is Official Scrapped
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bill-124-repeal-1.7123516
Peterborough Family Health Team Expands Services
Deal Stricken for National Pharmacare
The Comeback Shaking Up Canada's Health Scene
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/syphilis-canada-skyrocketing-1.7123968