VANCOUVER, Aug. 24, 2016 /CNW/ - While the Canadian Medical Association's (CMA's) 149th annual meeting of General Council ended today in Vancouver, the direction and discussion that occurred here will be critical to our efforts going forward.
Job one of that work will be to continue to press our political leaders to develop a new Health Accord for Canada.
Despite the hard work that physicians and others undertake for patients each and every day, a system that is cherished by Canadians from coast to coast to coast is no longer keeping pace.
Canadian health care is not working as it could, or should.
This is particularly true when we consider the tragically poor health outcomes of Canada's Indigenous peoples. We must act now to improve this.
Throughout our system, patients face excessive waiting for care, inadequate patient information transfer and discontinuity of care.
To be truly relevant and effectively respond to Canadians' present and future needs, our health care system must provide patient-centred, integrated, continuing care.
We must be able to meet Canada's acute care requirements as well as the chronic and complex care needs of our growing and aging population.
Addressing this crisis begins with recognizing the increased role for patients and family caregivers in the care process.
We must also support all efforts that improve the social determinants of health and healthy living.
By developing and putting into effect an integrated, modern and collaborative vision for health care with all five health care partners engaged and at the table, we can bring about the crucial changes our health care system needs.
Dr. Granger Avery
CMA President
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 83,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Association
Image with caption: "New president Dr. Granger Avery charts course for collaborative approach for the future of health care (CNW Group/Canadian Medical Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160824_C1608_PHOTO_EN_759192.jpg
CMA Media Relations: [email protected], 613-806-1865
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