Feb. 2025 Newsletter
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Your February 2025 monthly update from the
BC
Health Coalition
ANALYSIS
Brian Day loses big again
On January 27, the BC Supreme Court clarified that Cambie Surgeries, a for-profit surgical clinic, was financially motivated in launching a case against public health care.
Here is our short reaction that we also sent to you by email on January 30th.
Mandate letter from new BC Minister of Health
Premier Eby’s 6-page mandate letter to new BC Minister of Health Josie Osborne outlines key priorities for healthcare in British Columbia, including improving access to primary care, addressing emergency room closures, and ensuring financial sustainability in the face of an aging population and fiscal challenges. The Premier emphasizes in-person care,... with standards set in consultation with the College of Physicians and Surgeons and Doctors of BC. There is also a focus on reviewing Ministry programs to balance healthcare needs with cost containment, all while maintaining high-quality services for British Columbians.
Two highlights from the letters are:
- Focus on In-Person Care: Prioritizing in-person consultations alongside virtual care to maintain quality and personalized healthcare.
- Financial Sustainability: A pragmatic approach to reviewing healthcare programs for efficiency, ensuring long-term sustainability without compromising care quality.
Missing elements from the letter are:
- Community Health Centres (CHCs): There is no mention of supporting or expanding community health centers, which play a vital role in providing care to underserved populations.
- Public Health Protections: The letter lacks language around upholding the Medicare Protection Act, which could signal concerns about protecting public healthcare from privatization or extra-billing.
ACTIONS & EVENTS
Pharmacare Action – call on BC to continue its leadership on National Pharmacare
With the federal election looming, the
future of Pharmacare is hanging in the balance. Poilievre has said he
“rejects” single-payer Pharmacare. Our best shot at making Pharmacare
“election-proof” is by having as many provinces as possible sign on
and start providing access to free medications before the next federal
election. But behind the scenes, Big Pharma and insurance companies
have been urging provinces to resist implementing the program.
B.C. is ahead of the curve and has signed a memorandum of
understanding with the federal government, but has not finalized the
agreement. We join the Council of Canadians in calling on BC’s
Premier and Provincial Health Minister to continue its leadership in
implementing National Pharmacare – call Minister Osborne and Premiere
Eby today.
Online Forum: Lessons from U.S. Successes and Global Strategies for Inclusive Healthcare
Is extending public healthcare coverage to everyone, regardless of immigration status, realistic?
Join this online forum on Feb. 19th to hear from advocates in California who have successfully campaigned to win healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status.
Just last year, the state of California expanded healthcare access to its 700,000 undocumented residents. Before that, states like Oregon and Minnesota had done the same. Countries like Thailand, Norway, and Spain also have followed health evidence to ensure equitable healthcare access to migrants. Even Ontario had a program during the pandemic that allowed undocumented migrants and international students to access full care in hospitals. It has been done before, and it can be done again!
Join the Decent Work and Health Network’s online forum on Feb 19th to learn from U.S. victories in expanding health care for all, followed by a moderated discussion and public Q&A.
REACH turns 55 years old
Over the winter holidays, REACH Community Health Centre celebrated 55 years of providing high-quality, team-based healthcare to East Van, including the vibrant Grandview Woodlands. Since its founding in 1969, REACH has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering accessible and inclusive healthcare services and addressing the social determinants of health.
REACH is one of the oldest Community Health Centres in BC and has sat on the BCHC steering committee for many years. Congratulations on this milestone and thank you for being a great example of how community health centres can provide high-quality primary healthcare, and social and educational services to support the physical and mental health and well-being of our community under one roof.
RESOURCE
Jewish Seniors Alliance video on the importance of Home Care
The Jewish Seniors Alliance of British Columbia just produced a video about the importance of home care, called The Home Care Imperative. The video highlights argues that home care is the humantarian solution and also a path cost savings
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the BC Health Coalition or its members.
Public Health News & Resources
MOH to review excessive bureaucracy and administrative costs at HA’s
Cambie Surgeries ordered to pay legal costs, BCHC following up with our lawyers
Federal Minister of Health outlines new Canada Health Act Services Policy, advising provinces and territories that Physician-Equivalent Services provided by non-physicians (nurse practitioners, midwives, and others) will be insured. This is particularly critical in remote and rural areas and in team-based primary care settings
Podcast: Dr. Danyaal Raza on non-physician professionals billing the public system
Options For Sexual Health Update: MOH expressed support for Options, are committed in principle to maintaining all clinics for the coming year, and continue discussions to design a long-term sustainable solution.
Donate nowDonations by cheque can be made out to BC Health Coalition and mailed to BC Health Coalition 302-3102 Main Street Vancouver BC V5T 3G7. Or you can give monthly by cheque.
British
Columbia Health Coalition
3102 Main St, 302, Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish
Territories, BC V5T 3G7, Canada
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