17.7 Weeks

This one needs no commentary, other than to note that the country being described below is commonly regarded by legislators in America as a role model in considering how to restructure our own highly flawed health care system:

Waits for Canadian Health Care Shorten a Bit By ELENA CHERNEY Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL October 19, 2005; Page A11

TORONTO — After a dozen years of lengthening durations, Canadians awaiting medical care got access to treatment a little faster in 2005 than in the prior year, according to a survey of medical specialists by a conservative think tank.

The study by the Fraser Institute, which supports introducing more private-sector health care in Canada, comes as provinces grapple with potential fallout from a Supreme Court of Canada ruling last summer. In a decision on a Quebec case that could open the door to more private health care across Canada, the court found that long waits under the current public system violate Quebecers’ rights by preventing them from paying for private care. Each of the 10 provinces runs its own health-care system, funded partly by federal payments. Canadians waited an average of 17.7 weeks for treatment after their first visit to a general practitioner during the first three months of 2005, compared with 17.9 weeks in the same period last year, the study by the Vancouver, British Columbia-based Fraser Institute found. One reason for the incremental improvement was that Saskatchewan improved its performance by 7.8 weeks to 25.5 weeks. The study looked at 12 kinds of treatment, including cardiovascular surgery, cancer care and plastic surgery. What this means is that if you or I were diagnosed with a cardiovascular problem or cancer which required treatment today, we would be admitted to the hospital along around February 5th.

Quite a role model indeed.

Jeff Matthews I Am Not Making This Up

© 2005 Jeff Matthews

The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Matthews. Mr. Matthews also acts as an advisor and clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews’ recommendations.