An opinion piece calling for private health care to replace aspects of Canadian Medicare has dumbfounded some readers
Published Dec 05, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Privatizing elements of our public health-care system is not something that anyone should be advocating, say letter writers.
Article content
Free-market focused SecondStreet.org recently published an op-ed in the StarPhoenix heavily pushing two-tier health care. While seemingly an attempt to address current provincial challenges, its aim is to erode confidence in a system that strives to work for everyone, not just the rich.
Article content
Article content
Alongside this, our province continues to explore more avenues of privatization while underfunding public services, then claim it isn’t working — a well-known strategy.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
The op-ed has the audacity to say Saskatchewan has an opportunity “as it did in the days of Tommy Douglas, to lead in transforming Canada’s health-care system,” insulting both the point of medicare and Tommy’s legacy.
Let’s be clear: time and time again for-profit health care has been shown to compromise quality of care, cost more, fail to address staffing shortages and poor working conditions, and only benefit those rich enough to afford it, leaving many working class and poor people behind.
Medicare was created precisely because that ‘everyone-for-themselves-private-way’ wasn’t working. We can’t afford to go back. These corporate talking points always hide a profit motive, and they should make us wary. When we see these groups pushing for private care we must follow the money.
Krystal Lewis, Regina
Lewis is the provincial director of the non-profit Saskatchewan Health Coalition, a member based non-profit public health-care advocacy organization.
Private medicine op-ed dumbfounding
I was dumfounded when I saw the heading for Dom Lucyk’s opinion piece in the Sept. 29 issue of the Leader Post: “Bold steps are needed to fix health; Paying for surgeries should be an option.” It was like being thrown back into the Dark Ages.
Headline News
Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Headline News will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
In 1961-62 we knew that health care should not be provided for only those who could afford it, but for all who needed it, and we worked hard to get universal publicly funded health care.
Admittedly, there is a shortage of health-care providers, but I haven’t heard anyone say that low income is the problem. There are other ways of stretching the health-care dollar that are fairer than favouring those who can privately fund it.
Private funding gives the wealthy an advantage in entering the surgery queue, which isn’t fair to those who have the most urgent need. I believe we have to think of new ways to provide health services. I’m sure some rural women would be happy to train and work as midwives.
Another option would be for municipal councils to establish community clinics. In a rural area, some medical workers may feel more comfortable in a group practice. With tele-health to connect rural workers to specialists, much can be accomplished remotely.
We must not revert to privately funded health care.
Verda Petry, Regina
Recommended from Editorial
Dom Lucyk: Saskatchewan people are ready for a real shift in health care delivery
Mandryk: Medicare fight 60 years ago saw rhetoric similar to COVID-19
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Share your views
The Leader-Post welcomes letters to the editor. • Letters should be limited to no more than 250 words. • Include your full name, address, phone number and home community so we can verify your identity. Only your name and community will be published. • Emailed letters are preferred but they can also be sent to 300-1964 Park St., Regina, Sask., S4N 7M5
The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.
With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.