Canada's federal and provincial governments reach agreement over healthcare spending
BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7468.704-b (Published 23 September 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:704- David Spurgeon
- Spurgeon
Canada's Prime Minister Paul Martin, provincial prime ministers, and territorial leaders have reached a new, 10 year agreement on reforming the country's health system that will cost the federal government $C41.2bn (£17.7bn; $31.8bn; €26bn).
The deal promises reductions in patients' waiting times for access to the system; an increase in the number of health professionals; some short term home care and end of life services; increased funding and reforms for northern communities; a national pharmaceuticals strategy whereby patients would be covered for illnesses that had exceptionally high treatment costs; and a new immunisation programme for children.
The initial response from the Canadian Medical Association, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare associations was positive. The president of the Canadian …
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