Canada has a lack of transparency about Big Pharma’s payments to health-care providers and organizations. Disclosure is voluntary, and there’s no central data on even the few companies that do report.
Canada has spent billions on health-care software that does not even communicate province to province. Free and open-source software would be a technically superior and far less expensive option.
The health care world has changed a lot in 40 years, but Medicare hasn’t. Here are three areas for radical forms to the system that will achieve its aims of universal health care for all Australians.
Scoliosis is a treatable condition, but only if detected early. Greater awareness of the condition and its dynamics will greatly aid in patient care moving forward.
In addition to saving costs for individuals and our health-care system, facilitating access to dental care would enhance the population’s oral health and potentially help in managing chronic diseases.
Women favour seeing the same health provider throughout pregnancy, in labour and after they have their baby – whether that’s via midwifery group practice, a private midwife or a private obstetrician.
The persistence of food insecurity in Canada is a policy choice. By not doing more to improve the adequacy and stability of household income, governments are choosing to let food insecurity fester.
Internal reviews are insufficient to investigate discrimination by hospital administrators and external frameworks are needed to protect employees who face bullying and harassment.
Climate change, inequality, the evolution of knowledge… Experts have been surveyed, and a consensus is emerging on what to expect from the effects of these factors in the medical field.
The shortage of family doctors affects not only patients, but the entire health-care system. A strong primary care foundation increases average lifespan, improves overall health and reduces costs.
Yes, savings from increased participation in private insurance outweigh the costs the government incurs by subsidising private health insurance rebates. But rebates can be better targeted.
Education has a role to play in addressing the shortage of family doctors. A new program is designed specifically for comprehensive, community-based family practice.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne
2022-2024 Visiting Professor, Northeastern University, Boston / 2021-2022 Visiting Professor, Harvard University and French Harkness Fellow / 2014-... (on leave) Full Professor in Economics, ERUDITE, UPEC, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne (UPEC)