Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Canadians responding to a public opinion poll conducted for the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) feel that the federal government should provide additional funds to provinces and territories based on their proportion of elderly citizens to help meet growing and evolving health care needs.
The CMA’s 16th Annual National Report Card on Health Care focused on solutions to address the health care needs of Canada’s aging population that could be included in the soon-to-be negotiated Health Accord between the federal, provincial and territorial governments.
As the discussions for the new Health Accord draw closer, the survey found that few Canadians (15%) are generally aware of the negotiations between their provincial, territorial and federal governments.
“Awareness of the Health Accord among the public is low but the CMA contends that a new Health Accord between the federal, provincial and territorial governments emphasizing seniors is essential to the future success and sustainability of our health care system,” said Dr. Cindy Forbes, the CMA President.
Despite a lack of awareness, Canadians generally agree on the funding priorities that should be addressed in the new Health Accord. The top funding considerations are: a strategy for seniors’ health (84 per cent ranking it either very or somewhat important); improved mental health services (83 per cent ranking it either very or somewhat important; prescription drugs (80 per cent ranking it either very or somewhat important); palliative care (80 per cent ranking it either very or somewhat important); and home care (79 per cent ranking it as very or somewhat important).
“Improving how our health care system responds to the growing and complex needs of Canada’s aging population is the key to the future survival of our health care system,” added Dr. Forbes.
“The next Health Accord must target these challenges with clear action and increased support if Canada’s health care system is to survive for the future.”
Canadians also want increased accountability with how funds are delivered under the new Health Accord. A majority of Canadians (67%) agree the federal government should identify common indicators across provinces and territories to encourage accountability — a sentiment that increases with age.
Seven in ten (73%) Canadians give the overall quality of health care services available to them and their families an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade. Over one third assigns an ‘A’ grade (37%). When it comes to accessing care in their communities, three in five Canadians grade access to a family doctor as an ‘A’ or ‘B’ (66%). About half (58%) grade access to wellness and preventative care as an ‘A’ or ‘B’.
A higher proportion of Canadians grade access to palliative care in a hospice or hospital as an ‘A’ or ‘B’ (50%) compared to palliative care at home (36%).
About four in ten grade access to home health care services (48%) and access to mental health care services (45%) as an ‘A’ or ‘B’.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 83,000 of Canada’s physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA’s mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care.
