A doctor in a lab coat and stethoscope examines a patient in a Calgary health clinic on July 14, 2023. The Canadian Press


September 10, 2024 Tags:

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling for improved tracking of health-care spending, following recent agreements between the federal government and provinces and territories. The CMA's new report highlights the need for more thorough monitoring of how these funds enhance healthcare services and patient outcomes.
The report points out several shortcomings in the agreements, such as the absence of specific targets for reducing emergency room closures. This lack of clear goals makes it challenging to gauge whether the allocated funds are effectively addressing critical issues within the health system.

In response, the CMA is proposing the creation of a national health accountability officer. This role would focus on overseeing the use of healthcare funds, tracking progress, and ensuring that money is spent efficiently. The goal is to make sure that significant investments in health care lead to meaningful improvements in service delivery and patient care.

Last year, the federal government committed $196 billion to enhance healthcare access over ten years, with about $45 billion being newly allocated funds. Provinces and territories were required to improve data sharing and track their progress as a condition for receiving this funding. By March, Quebec was the last province to agree to these terms.

The CMA's report reveals that many provinces and territories are falling short. Specifically, five do not have clear targets for providing electronic access to health data, and seven lack targets for sharing health information. The report stresses the importance of implementing proven strategies to ensure that this unprecedented level of funding genuinely transforms the health system.

Currently, over 6.5 million Canadians are without a primary care physician. There are significant surgical backlogs and a critical shortage of health professionals. Joss Reimer, president of the CMA, emphasizes that "enhanced accountability is crucial to successfully implementing durable changes in our health care system."

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Kennedy’s HHS Overhaul Puts Addiction Treatment At Risk

A major shakeup in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could lead to the weakening—or even elimination—of....

Deadly Fungal Superbug Candida Auris Spreads Rapidly in Hospitals

A dangerous fungal superbug, Candida auris (C. auris), is rapidly spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, raising serious public health....

Researchers in Limbo as Columbia Caves to Trump’s Demands for $400M

Columbia University is facing intense scrutiny after agreeing to strict policy changes to regain $400 million in federal funding revoked....

U.S. Cuts LGBTQ Health Research Funding, Sparking Outrage

The Trump administration has abruptly canceled dozens of federal grants supporting research on LGBTQ health, drawing criticism from scientists and....

Canada Expands Dental Care Plan Ahead of Expected Election

Millions of uninsured Canadians will soon have access to affordable dental care as the federal government expands its Canadian Dental....

Diffabilities YEG Fights Stigma On World Down Syndrome Day

An Edmonton-based organization, Diffabilities YEG, hosted a special event on Friday to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The event aimed....

Bella Ramsey Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis: "It Was Liberating"

Bella Ramsey, known for their Emmy-nominated role in The Last of Us, recently revealed their autism diagnosis. In an interview....

Measles Cases Double in Alberta as Vaccination Rates Decline

Measles, once considered eradicated in Canada, is making a troubling comeback in Alberta. The number of confirmed cases has nearly....

Slushy Drinks Could Make Kids Sick—Experts Warn!

Researchers have warned that children under the age of 8 should avoid slushy ice drinks containing glycerol. This comes after....

Alberta Government Lawyers Defend Youth Gender-Affirming Care Ban In Court

Alberta's controversial transgender law returned to court on Tuesday, with government lawyers defending it as a science-based measure designed to....

Utah Becomes First U.S. State to Ban Fluoride in Public Water

Utah is making history by becoming the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. Despite opposition from dentists....

Butter Lovers, Beware! New Study Links Butter Intake to Shorter Lifespan

Butter is a kitchen staple, loved for its creamy richness. But could your daily dollop be shortening your life? A....