After spending over a decade in Canada, I have become well-acquainted with the Canadian health care system and its efficient, honest, and effective ways of delivering top-notch healthcare.
I have witnessed first-hand the positive effect the Internet has had on providing patients with access to reliable information and purchasing medical equipment and medications.
Although Canada has one of the most robust healthcare systems in the world, similar to the UK’s National Health Service, there are still areas where the system could be improved upon.
Eco-Friendly Medications And Equipment
One of the biggest gripes patients in Canada have is the expensive nature of some of the medications and medical equipment. With the cost of medical care soaring, especially pertaining to specialty drugs, it is becoming more and more difficult for patients to afford the treatments they need. As medicine is a $13.7 billion industry in Canada, spending on medication alone accounts for over a fifth of the total health care bill. This is a serious problem and one that needs to be addressed.
One solution could be to push for more eco-friendly medications and equipment. Although a small percentage of medications and medical equipment are energy-efficient, eco-friendly products, much of the industry is still fuelled by fossil fuels.
Eco-friendly medications and equipment can help to reduce the industry’s dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. Not only is this advantageous for the environment, but it also means cheaper medication for patients. Ultimately, with more and more people becoming environmentally aware, pushing for eco-friendly alternatives could be an achievable goal.
A Robust Pharmacy Network
Another area the Canadian healthcare system could improve upon is the network of pharmacies. Although pharmacies are a key component in any healthcare system, particularly in a country like Canada where patients have to travel for treatments, there are still areas where the service could be better.
One of the biggest issues is that, in Canada, patients have to travel to a brand-new pharmacy every time they run out of their prescription. Although many pharmacies try to optimize their location so that patients can get what they need without needing to travel too far, there is still often lengthy wait-times for prescriptions to be filled. This can be both inconvenient and embarrassing for patients who need medical assistance.
Another problem is that not all pharmacies are created equal. Some pharmacies are much more expensive than others, with some charging the highest prices in the country for pharmaceuticals. Additionally, for patients who don’t have insurance, the cost of a single prescription can be prohibitive. If the purpose of the medication is to treat an illness or condition, why should the patient have to pay so much for it?
To address these issues, the Canadian government has created a special fund to partially subsidize the cost of medication for low-income individuals. This is a good start, but it would be even better if the cost of medication was more reasonably priced. Hopefully, with enough public outcry, the Canadian government will listen to the people and realize the importance of making medication more affordable.
A Growing Dependency On Technology
Although paperless medication and medical records are already commonplace in Canada, especially in larger hospitals and long-term care facilities, the country is still far from independent of technology.
Healthcare in Canada is heavily dependent on technology, with 59% of physicians relying on computers and the Internet to help them diagnose and treat patients. Even when hospitalized, patients have access to their medical records through an Internet connection. This dependency on technology is having a serious effect on the country’s healthcare system.
As technology improves and becomes more accessible, it is giving rise to new issues, such as cybersecurity and privacy. With so much reliance on technology, there is a growing fear the system could be hacked and personal information compromised. This worries patients and professionals alike. Steps are being taken by the Canadian government to improve security and protect privacy. However, more can be done to prevent cybersecurity threats. Physicians, pharmacists, and the general public should all be aware of the risks posed by technology and work together to ensure the cybersecurity of the healthcare system. Privacy is a big issue in the technology world today, and the effects of poor privacy practices are being felt in every part of the healthcare system, from the way doctors work to the drugs patients are offered online.
The above points address some of the major issues plaguing the Canadian healthcare system. Although major strides have been made in improving healthcare, especially pertaining to technology, there is still a long way to go. The future of healthcare looks extremely promising, as more and more people are realizing the importance of holistic living and finding natural remedies for common ailments. Not only is it the right thing to do for your own health, but you also won’t contribute to the mass extinction of species if you start prescribing nature rather than chemicals. The world needs more like you.