Statement - Canadian Medical Association (CMA)

VANCOUVER, Aug. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) was heartened to hear our federal minister of health astutely list the challenges facing our health care system.

The need for action in key areas — beginning with improving seniors care — is the challenge facing the future sustainability of our health care system.

It was good to hear the minister mention a new Health Accord; now, we need serious action on this, with a clear focus on seniors care. That's the way to fix health care for all Canadians.

Late last week, in the CMA's 16^th Annual National Report Card on Health Care, Canadians made it clear that they too see solutions to address the health care needs of Canada's aging population as job number one for our nation's political leaders.

I stress leaders with an "s", because every jurisdiction in Canada is struggling to meet the health care needs of our aging population.

The good news is that the next Health Accord is a clear opportunity for those leaders to come together to target these challenges with clear action and increased support.

That is absolutely critical if Canada's health care system is to survive for the future.

The way forward is clear and it starts with a strategy for seniors care that addresses issues such as improving access to home and long-term care, pharmaceutical drug coverage and palliative care.

The CMA has also recommended that the federal government institute a "top up" to support the innovation and transformation needed to address the health needs of the country's aging population.

Getting seniors care right will not only lead to better health outcomes and quality of life, it will benefit the entire health care system and all Canadians.

Dr. Cindy Forbes
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: "Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Philpott, addresses her physician-colleagues at the 149th annual meeting of the Canadian Medical Association (CNW Group/Canadian Medical Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160823_C7783_PHOTO_EN_758407.jpg

For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: CMA Media Relations: [e-mail], 613-806-1865