Concern over B.C. ramping up virtual health care
“Several physicians have spoken to CTV News about the move, describing it as a surprise strategy outside the usual bounds of negotiation and policymaking – and one that corporatizes health-care and adds unnecessary bureaucracy while centralizing control with the Ministry of Health. They spoke on background, fearing reprisal(opens in a new tab) for questioning government policy.
One pointed out that virtual appointments(opens in a new tab) are quicker and much more profitable than in-person care, which often involves physical exams and treatments that require more time and supplies.
Patient and public health-care advocate Camille Currie, founder of BC Healthcare Matters, suggested that access to medical care may not improve for patients, with a middle-man profiting in a unnecessarily complicated system, if the plan goes ahead as proposed.
“This money could've been used in a very different way,” she says. “It could help bolster our community practices versus now how many millions of dollars – perhaps billions of dollars, I don't know – will be funneled into corporations, instead of the clinics that are struggling.”
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It's interesting they chose this time of year to put forward such a proposal.
A time of year when many businesses are overwhelmed busy doing end of year wrap up and finances.
A time of year when many are trying to take some much needed time to celebrate with their families.
A time of year when media may not be watching the inner workings of Government so closely.
A time of year when no questions can be asked in the legislature.
Ask yourself
Where will the doctors come from?
Will my doctor be drawn to a contract position?
Will this reduce the strain on our healthcare system or result in more unnecessary referrals and misdiagnosis?
Could this money have been used to bolster community practices and created opportunities for them to provide virtual care instead?
Who will own my personal information and health records?
Will this result in more double billings as virtual visit patients are told they need to see a doctor in person?
Yes we need more access to Primary Care but how that access is create and provided matters.