Only One-Fourth Of Canadians Highly Satisfied With Health Care System

Montreal, Quebec (AHN) - On the eve of its yearly health conference in Montreal, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) issued its eighth annual assessment on Sunday of the national health care system.

According to the CMA survey, only about one-fourth or 27 percent of Canadians gave the country's health care system an "A" rating, which has been more or less the same national level of confidence for the past five years.

On the opposite end, the percentage that gave the system an "F" grade went down to 7 percent from 9 percent in 2003. Another 69 percent gave it a "B" or "C" grade, up from 64 percent five years ago.

Dr. Brian Day, CMA president explained, "The uncertainty of Canadians is a direct reflection of the lack of leadership in health demonstrated by our politicians... Funding has been returned to the system, but Canadians are still waiting for a renewed vision that will ensure the sustainability of the system."

Meanwhile, the Canadian Doctors for Medicare (CDM) called on the CMA to back reforms that would strengthen Canada's public health care system.

Dr. Danielle Martin, CDM head, cited long wait times for certain medical procedures and availability of family doctors were among the reforms needed to improve public access to health care.