The Ottawa Citizen reported on a speech given by Premier Dalton McGuinty to the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. In the speech, McGuinty stated that the health care challenge today was so complex that work should begin now. "Reform is necessary and inevitable" and that "the renewal of long term funding for health care will, without a doubt be one of the most important issues facing government in the coming years". He went on to cite figures on the aging of our population, and the health care resources required for the larger, older demographic, inlcuding, skyrocketing costs. Reform is needed for the sustainability of our health care system. "We should not be shy of demanding that care be based on what worked, not what people wanted".
One would almost think that the premier understands the actual problems facing those of us who deliver the care he talks about. Does he also believe that the federal government throwing more of our tax dollars at the exsisiting health care model will truly deliver a sustainable public health care system? As everyone should know at this point, we don't have enough money to pay for everything for everybody for every health care service all the time.
Yes, reform is needed. Reform has been necessary for a good long time. But, what has been done? In previous writings, I have outlined the ruinous path that successive governments have followed regarding the delivery of foot health care services in Ontario. Most harmful has been the prevention of licensing of podiatrists since 1993. Ontarians should have access in a timely, effective manner to podiatric services, now being denied.
Admittedly, Mr. McGuinty's Liberals did leave intact, the small percentage funding that OHIP allows for certain podiatric services to individuals who normally would not be able to afford the actual costs involved in health care.
The big job has been left undone. As reported in an earlier blog, the government committee charged with studying and making recomendations to the minister of health had it's budget slashed, so that no work has been done on podiatry care. This, even though the College of Chiroposists of Ontario recomended the transition to a podiatry model, as in Alberta.
It is not enough to call for reform. Dynamic leadership must be offered, with a clear vision as to where we need to go, and how we can get there. The system needs a major fix. But my view from here, based on the real world, especially as it applies to foot care, is that we are not getting more than a bandaid.
Take 2 aspirins and call me in the morning!