- © 2004 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
A caucus revolt stopped a pair of private orthopedic clinics but 2 weeks later a defiant Premier Ralph Klein reiterated his vow to introduce radical health care reforms if voters give him a renewed mandate in an election, anticipated this fall.
That vow came with a velvet glove: $700 million in new money to fund programs, buy equipment, wipe away regional health authority deficits and begin or advance capital projects.
“We are fortunate in Alberta to be able to make this investment so we can take immediate action on Albertans' health priorities,” Klein said. “Other challenges remain, and we need to meet them, but we will do so only after we have had a public discussion.”
To fuel that discussion, Klein released 2 commissioned reports: one from the Conference Board of Canada detailing health outcomes from countries with less expensive health systems, the other a government committee report.
The latter, dubbed the Graydon report after chairman Gordon Graydon (http://www.health.gov.ab.ca), suggests ways to raise government revenue including increasing health care premiums by 7% (up from 13% now), privatizing long-term care facilities and introducing a health care insurance deductible.
Under the deductible plan, Albertans would pay for their health care to a limit of 1.5% of their annual income and the province would pay the rest. Some call it a tax on the sick and claim it contravenes the Canada Health Act.
Critics pounced on the announcement saying the Graydon report, Klein's preference for private orthopedic clinics and his $700 million health care salve are signs of muddled intentions and failed leadership.
“Albertans have spoken loudly for 10 years. They want a strong, well-managed public system. But the government doesn't like that answer,” says Liberal Leader Kevin Taft. He advocates a stable, public system. “It's too bad health care was not more insulated from these political whims.”
Harvey Voogd, of Friends of Medicare lobby group, says more privatization leads to less public control over spending. Bulk buying, better fiscal management and more federal dollars would help make health care sustainable, he said.
Doctors and health authorities welcomed the new money but said little about the possibility of user fees and private hospitals.
The Alberta Medical Association won't comment until the proposed reforms are implemented. — Lisa Gregoire, Edmonton