May

Background

I would disagree with Dr Kotaska’s opinion that charging double the cost for medically necessary treatment is a justified social policy. If medical care is a right and not a privilege, then imposing financial barriers of double the actual cost to subsidize a failing public system is mercenary. With competition and a market economy, costs approach value. Circumventing the Supreme Court’s decision that prohibiting necessary care is unethical with a scheme to charge double the actual cost for medically necessary care is illegal because the Canada Health Act prohibits extra billing.

Dr Figurski says that I suggest imposing financial barriers that would delay treatment and impose suffering on patients. I do nothing of the sort. I propose offering affluent patients expedited service for an additional fee that will be specifically applied to providing services for patients with lesser means. This is the fundamental basis of a progressive taxation system. The net result will be additional capacity and shorter waiting lists for procedures undersupplied by the public health care system.

It is with much sadness I write of the passing of my friend, a long-time colleague, Dr W.R.J. (Bill) Martin on 26 December 2017. Bill passed away peacefully in his home on Galiano Island surrounded by his beloved family. He was predeceased by his wife, Gwen, and leaves his four children, Shelley, Sandy, Craig, and Scott and their families. He also leaves two surviving siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.