FRANÇAIS PRINT-READY PDF TABLE OF CONTENTS PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE RELATED LINKS Managing Your Health, 1999 edition Introduction
Problems with health care in Canada
Canadians take pride in having universal health care, meaning that health care is supposed to be available to everyone, free of cost. But, in reality, there are differences in how easily people from different backgrounds can get health care, and in the kind of care they get. Sexism, racism, and homophobia (fear of homosexuals) in the medical system affect how health services are created and who gets them.
People also face different problems getting health care depending on where they live. Services vary from region to region and are often unequal. Those who live in rural and remote areas may have problems getting knowledgeable medical care, appropriate blood tests, etc., and may feel isolated.
Not having enough money can also be a problem. Currently, many treatments are not covered by government health plans. This is particularly true of complementary therapies. Sometimes “user fees” – fees that you pay yourself – are charged for treatments or services. Due to government cutbacks and changing philosophies about the provision of health care, health care is increasingly becoming the responsibility of the person who is sick.
Drug companies often fail to provide experimental treatments to people not participating in clinical trials. (Providing these services for free is sometimes called “compassionate access” – see Page 175.)
These are just some of the ways in which getting health care in Canada can be a problem. | 
