The nightmare of Canadian health care

[Bragi]

According to the $90,000 survey of 1,750 adults, 44 per cent rate the state of health care in Canada as good or excellent -- an increase of seven percentage points since 2007 and 20 points higher than in 2004.

About the same number rate the state of health care as fair. Just one in nine say it's poor or very poor, half as many as in 2004.

As well, eight in 10 Canadians who have used the health-care system in the past year say they were satisfied.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Canadians+happier+with+health+care+system+survey+finds/2738188/story.html

[DCKit]

1. They're looking across the border at what they COULD have.

Minds are changing. Fast.

[Double T]

2. Canadians have their health care and financial house in order.

The USA should follow the lead of our VERY responsible neighbor to the north.

[Bragi]

3. Thanks, but I'm not sure that is totally true

Yes, we do have our financial house somewhat in order, at least compared to the catastrophe that is now the US national debt and your projected deficits.

And yes, thank you, we do have a very good health care system that provides universal coverage. However, like other nations, we are also struggling to deal with rising costs.

Fortunately, with a single payer system, as with countries that have other forms of universal coverage, we are in better shape to address rising costs than is the U.S. But it still remains a big challenge for us.

The only thing for sure about the future of health care in Canada is that there is zero public support for privatizing health care, despite GOP blather to the contrary. Last time I saw numbers on this, fewer than 5 per cent of Canadians wanted to abandon the single payer system.

This at least assures that not even our reactionary Conservative government will dare meddle with the system in any serious way.

- B

[Double T]

4. Canada is Utopia compared to our unbelievable mess in the US.

Every country is facing ever escalating health care costs induced by the corporate greed mongers. More than 95% of Canadians are intelligent; We (USA) struggle for 50%.

[Double T]

5. Canada is Utopia compared to our unbelievable mess in the US.

Every country is facing ever escalating health care costs induced by the corporate greed mongers. More than 95% of Canadians are intelligent; We (USA) struggle for 50%.

[polly7]

6. I have a CT scan today after waiting one week to get the phone

call after seeing my GP. Part of my gas will be re-imbursed through income tax. I have no complaints.

ETA: This scan is not an emergency or life-saving diagnostic test, I was willing to wait longer.