Report shows health care not a priority for Campbell government
A new report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows B.C. is seriously under-investing in its public health care system under the Campbell government, New Democrat Leader Carole James said today.
Carole James
"This latest report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information is a sad comment on Gordon Campbell’s misplaced priorities and his failure to protect our health care system during a time of economic prosperity. And it raises serious concerns about health care during tough economic times under this out-of touch government," James said. "It’s a reminder that we must do better in B.C. and commit to protecting our health care system before it’s too late."
New figures released in CIHI’s annual report, entitled National Health Expenditure Trends, 1975 to 2008, show B.C. ranks seventh among the Canadian provinces in public health care spending compared to second in 2001.
"As Gordon Campbell runs roughshod over public health care, ERs across B.C. are getting flooded with patient line-ups, hallway medicine and code purples are becoming a common occurrence and average families are paying more for less," said James. "This version of public health care should not be acceptable in a province like ours. But under Gordon Campbell, it’s becoming a norm."
