12 Discovering Enough: Rethinking Healthcare
Healthcare has become one, if not the largest cost to our way of life. The economic impact of a catastrophic health event to families and communities cannot be predicted, ergo we have come to rely on group liability through insurance and taxation to pay for the services provided. Unfortunately, the healthcare system has developed with few controls on managing its costs. The recipients simply agree to pay for whatever new procedure or new drug the health industry develops. There is simply no other service that can rival this “blank check” industry.
The healthcare system as practiced today reacts to illness through medication and procedures rather than through prevention of the illness in the first place. Numerous health studies have documented that the foundation of prevention is based upon a healthy diet, adequate exercise and lifestyle choices. Focus on prevention needs to take precedence rather than just being a cliche statement. Should this not be the health system’s primary focus over selling the latest medication or procedure?
Clinics and hospitals are required to treat chronic illness and major injury or disease, but should they be the primary or only focus of the health system the government provides?
Imagine neighborhood wellness centers managed by citizens and staffed primarily by nurse practitioners or physical assistants that focus on prevention and education. Generally healthy citizens without chronic disease could utilize these centers to receive basic medical services such as blood tests, immunizations and basic first aid, but also to take courses on nutrition, personal healthcare, or to utilize the services of a neighborhood gym or walking track. They could provide infirmary services for individuals recovering form outpatient medical treatments or to recover from a short term illness. The staff could also be available for educational outreach or home care for the elderly.
Large scale nursing homes are an extension of the current heath care industry and a major expense to the community. Old age is not a disease to be managed through medication, but a phase of life to be understood, respected and nurtured. Imagine community and neighborhood elder houses for 8-12 residents that would focus on comfort and celebrate the dignity of life. This alternate concept is being done today through models like the Green House Project.
My father and my brother both spent their careers as primary care physicians. Both chose their professions based upon the art of healing, not on the economic return that they expected. Today, they would both be dismayed that their chosen profession has become a business rather than a service to humanity.
The solutions to our “medical dilemma” will take hard work and tough decisions by well meaning and focussed medical professionals, citizens and their government. The medical community has the medical knowledge and a professional obligation to bring reason into how we deliver and receive healthcare. If not, government will develop solutions that may not be to the benefit of anyone.
Canada has a national healthcare system that mandates provinces provide a basic level of medical services. Alone, the maritime provinces do not have the population base or the level of economic activity to provide access to all levels of medical services offered today. If we are to be part of a national healthcare system, there will always be a need for federal equalization payments from larger provinces. We can, however, support a way of life based upon enough that can create healthy populations that require less medical services.
Richard Lachance
Cocagne NB
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