OAR Has Launched Campaign to Alert Public to Effects of McGuinty Health Care Cuts

OAKVILLE, ON, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Radiologists (OAR) has launched a media campaign to alert the public to the effects of government's funding cuts for critical radiology tests.

"Patients will suffer. The public needs to understand how dramatically health care cuts will impact patient care", OAR President Dr. Giuseppe Tarulli said.

"Radiology is critical to the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. We know early diagnosis saves lives, but with limited access to diagnostic testing, fewer patients will be diagnosed and the sad fact is that more patients will die.

"According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in Ontario, every hour of every day, an average of eight people will be diagnosed with some type of cancer and three will die from the disease.  We fear these statistics are about to change dramatically due to the government's announced cuts. Without diagnosis there can be no treatment; there can be no cure." Dr. Tarulli said.

"Other diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and fractures are diagnosed, by radiologists. In addition, much of the obstetrical ultrasound in Ontario is done by radiologists in community-based clinics, many of which will be forced to close due to the slashed funding.

"This is an issue that deeply concerns all Ontarians. We strongly urge the McGuinty government to reconsider its plans and return to the negotiating table, in order to put the health and safety of Ontarians first by ensuring adequate funding for essential health care services such as critical diagnostic radiology exams."

The OAR plans to reach the majority of Ontario patients using a radio and web campaign (www.ourhealthcare.ca).   The campaign is focused on three major population centres, Ottawa, Toronto and London, Ontario.

Giuseppe Tarulli, MD, FRCPC
President, Ontario Association of Radiologists
905.337.2680