Saskatchewan’s newly unveiled “Patients First Health Care Plan” aims to tackle lengthy surgical wait times and improve access to primary care, but the strategy of increasing reliance on private clinics is already drawing criticism from health policy experts and labour unions. The plan, announced Monday, sets ambitious goals for 2028, including ensuring every resident has a primary care provider, achieving a 90% rate of diagnostic scans within 60 days, and reducing surgery wait times to three months.
Premier Scott Moe’s government intends to complete 450,000 surgeries over the next four years, with a significant portion of those procedures being performed in private clinics and publicly funded. While proponents suggest this approach will alleviate pressure on the public system, concerns are mounting that it could exacerbate existing inequalities and potentially compromise the quality of care. The plan outlines over 50 actions intended to deliver “the right care in the right place at the right time,” according to the Premier.
Concerns Over Prioritization and Equity
Dr. Dennis Kendel, a health policy consultant and retired family physician, expressed skepticism about the plan’s reliance on private clinics. “I don’t feel it is a excellent idea,” Kendel stated. “Every private clinic has its own objectives and it’s striving to earn a certain income based on what it can do surgically.” He argues that a comprehensive system analysis is needed to prioritize surgeries and ensure equitable access, rather than allowing private clinics to dictate procedure volumes based on profitability. “We demand a much more comprehensive, integrated approach as opposed to just having each private clinic saying, ‘Gosh, we can do 50 gallbladder surgeries this month,’” he said, questioning how such decisions align with broader public health needs.
Kendel’s concerns center on the potential for a fragmented system where clinics compete for procedures, potentially neglecting those deemed less profitable. He warned that without clear priorities, the system could devolve into “everybody out for themselves,” with surgeons prioritizing procedures that maximize their income. This entrepreneurial approach, he believes, is inconsistent with the public interest and responsible employ of taxpayer dollars.
Union Voices Opposition, Citing Past Failures
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing Saskatchewan health-care workers, echoed these concerns, stating the government has not learned from what it calls “failed privatization schemes.” “They know private health care costs more, erodes quality of care, does little to reduce wait times, and pulls health-care workers out of the already short-staffed public system,” said Bashir Jalloh, CUPE local 5430 president, in a statement. This sentiment highlights a long-standing debate about the role of private healthcare in a publicly funded system.
Virtual Care Expansion Offers Potential
Alongside the expansion of private surgical options, the “Patients First” plan emphasizes the expansion of virtual care, particularly for residents in rural and remote areas. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill pointed to the Whitecap Dakota First Nation’s virtual health hub as a successful model, with plans to roll out access to virtual care visits to select communities first.
Health policy analyst Steven Lewis offered a more optimistic assessment of this aspect of the plan, stating, “I think adding more virtual primary care is going to help us make a significant dent on that in the short term and then help support the long-term role that virtual care is going to play in our system.” Lewis acknowledged the plan is “a bit more explicit than former plans,” giving it “some pretty high marks in some areas.” Although, he stressed the importance of ongoing analysis to determine what is working and what isn’t, to ensure lasting improvements.
Lewis too pointed to a recurring issue in Saskatchewan’s healthcare system: past improvement plans failing to meet their stated targets. He emphasized that streamlining processes and addressing management issues are crucial to reducing wait times, noting that “a whole bunch of people…don’t wait at all,” while others face “an unconscionable length of time.”
The Saskatchewan government’s “Patients First” plan represents a significant shift in approach to healthcare delivery. Whether it will successfully address the province’s challenges with wait times and access to care remains to be seen. The coming years will be critical in evaluating the effectiveness of this strategy and its impact on the broader healthcare landscape.
As the province moves forward with implementing these changes, continued monitoring and evaluation will be essential to ensure that the plan delivers on its promises and serves the best interests of all Saskatchewan residents. Share your thoughts on the recent plan in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about healthcare and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
