Be Aware Health Care | July 10th, 2024

Female MD in Space | Clinic Charging For Care?

Good Morning readers! Before we get into the updates let’s talk about the first Canadian Woman to become a commercial astronaut who also happens to be a doctor - Edmonton's Dr. Shawna Pandya. Inspired by pioneering astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar, Pandya turned her childhood dream into reality. She's now preparing for a groundbreaking mission with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences and Virgin Galactic. From intensive 'vomit comet' training to leading vital space research, Pandya is not just reaching for the stars—she's ready to fly among them, continuing Canada's legacy of space exploration.

In This Week’s Email:

  1. $500,000 Canadian Health Equity Initiative

  2. Urgent Clinic Seeks Funding for Free Care?

  3. A Break Through In Cancer Treatment But There’s A Problem

Health Care News

$500,000 Canadian Health Equity Initiative 

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. is stepping up with a new $500,000 initiative to tackle healthcare inequalities in Canada. This money will support non-profit projects that focus on including different social and cultural groups, boosting health knowledge, and increasing support for immigrants. Although Canada has a strong public healthcare system, some people still face hurdles in getting the care they need. Working with the Equity Mobilizing Partnerships in Community (EMPaCT) at Women's College Hospital, Novartis aims to fund creative solutions for a fairer healthcare future.

Urgent Clinic Seeks Funding for Free Care

The Healthy Kids Urgent Clinic in London, Ontario, wants provincial support to drop its current fees of $65 to $85 per visit. Led by founder Kevin Zizzo and run by nurse practitioners, the clinic plays a key role in reducing emergency room visits and cutting wait times. With 2.3 million Ontarians without a family doctor, allowing nurse practitioners to bill directly through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) could greatly relieve healthcare pressures. This move would keep in line with Canada’s healthcare principles, ensuring care remains free when needed.

A Breakthrough Cancer Treatment But There’s A Problem

Dale Cousins’ experience in a radioligand therapy (RLT) clinical trial highlights the powerful potential of this cancer treatment. Yet, access to RLT for prostate cancer patients like Cousins is limited outside these trials. Even though Health Canada approved the key RLT drug, Pluvicto, in August 2022, it’s not widely available yet due to ongoing pricing discussions. With proven results in shrinking tumors and extending lives, medical experts and patient advocates are urging for quicker access to this treatment, emphasizing the challenge of getting new cancer treatments into public healthcare systems swiftly.