Course:DHYG404/groupsix2009

Universality, comprehensiveness, public administration, accessibility and portability are the values Canadians place on the health care system.(p.7) Over the years, we have noticed a divergence between these values and the delivery of Medicare. The federal government has therefore commissioned several reports to help evaluate, monitor, and realign the health care system with the needs and values of Canadians. The Health of Canadians - The Federal Role report by Kirby assesses the Canadian health system and makes several recommendations for the reform of our health care system. These strategies include:

• Providing incentives "for participants [on all levels (patient, doctor, organization)] to deliver, manage and [utilize] health care more efficiently and effectively." (p. 10)

• Having the public choose "increasing government revenue" as the method of funding as per the National Health Care Guarantee, as opposed to growing wait-lists and service rationing, or private fee-for-service health care tiers. This guarantee will ensure timely delivery and reasonable access to treatment, even in another jurisdiction, province or country if need be. This ensures that our values of portability, accessibility and universality are met(p. 10-11).

• Creating a permanent, independent governing body that issues an annual report to the Canadian general public, on the state of the health care system as well as the health status of Canadians. This body will also make recommendations on reform and advise on proper allocation of federal funds. With the body close monitoring and reporting where the public/tax fund is going, Canadians would also feel more reassured on our "fiscally sustainable" health care system. This will improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the system while increasing all five values Canadians hold(p. 17).

• This body will consist of a total of 15 members of federal, provincial and territorial government; with one being appointed as the National Health Care Commissioner(p. 21). This will eliminate much finger-pointing between provincial and federal levels of government and increase accountability of our health care system for the public.

• Developing a health information management system that includes a national system of electronic patient records, and building health care reform upon the foundations of the CIHI and CCHSA (p. 18). This will help storing and retrieving accurate information and increase our health care system's accountability and efficiency in delivery of care.

These key elements will help unify and depoliticize the Medicare system, and prompt the development of “country-wide standards”. In addition, they will help satisfy the values and needs of Canadians in regard to a publicly funded, efficient, and economical health care system for all; while ensuring its sustainability for the future.

References: 1. The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The Health of Canadians-The Federal Role. Volume six. Recommendations for Reform. October 2002.