Should certain surgeries in Alberta be publicly funded?
Posted Feb 5, 2020 7:36 am.
Last Updated Feb 5, 2020 12:20 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – With healthcare under the microscope in Alberta, a debate is raging on about what should be covered with public dollars.
It comes as Ernst and Young released an audit of Alberta Health Services (AHS) Monday saying there’s a potential for $1.9 billion in savings.
WATCH: UCP releases findings of AHS review
The report also stated 10 procedures the National Health Service in Britain considers to be of “limited clinical value”.
They include surgeries for hernias, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tubal ligation.
The inclusion of the latter along with breast reduction surgery drew the ire of NDP leader Rachel Notley who took to Twitter saying, “Someone remind me again why equal representation of women in politics isn’t a necessary thing?”
Clawing back over $600 million from nurses who are – wait for it- primarily women. Someone remind me again why equal representation of women in politics isn’t a necessary thing? #feminism #womenshealth #ableg
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) February 5, 2020
Health Minister Tyler Shandro responded to the criticism saying access to these surgeries won’t be removed, adding “it’s not about removing coverage but about improving quality by avoiding inappropriate procedures.”
As the report says: “It is important to note that these cases require detailed clinical reviews, alongside AHS’ clinical experts, to adequately assess appropriateness.” It’s not about *removing* coverage, it’s about *improving* quality by avoiding inappropriate procedures.
— Tyler Shandro ???????? (@shandro) February 4, 2020
Shandro added AHS should consider the list in the review and work to develop appropriate guidance and accountability based on its own priorities to ensure the appropriate use of tests and surgeries.
The independent audit called for almost 60 changes to AHS and over 70 ways the service can save money each year.
A final plan is due back to the provincial government in May.
Listed surgeries include those needed for hernias, carpal tunnel, tubal ligation, and breast reduction surgery. "We want AHS to consider that list," says @Shandro. “It’s not about *removing* coverage, it’s about *improving* quality by avoiding inappropriate procedures." @660NEWS pic.twitter.com/y4Fronw5tH
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) February 5, 2020
