Keywords
Citation
(2013), "Canada - Hospitals paying for federal cuts to refugee care", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 26 No. 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA.06226haa.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Canada - Hospitals paying for federal cuts to refugee care
Article Type:
News and views
From:
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Volume 26, Issue 8
Keywords: Refugee care in Canada, Access to healthcare for the uninsured, Comprehensive health coverage and resource management
Hamiltons hospitals are starting to bear the costs of federal cuts to refugee care.
“I see the cuts beginning to bite, said Dr David Higgins, president of St Josephs Healthcare Hamilton. “Were going to see more of these patients present to hospital.
St. Josephs is caring for at least one refugee a week with no health coverage after the federal government made significant cuts a year ago, affecting, in particular, those from countries deemed to be safe by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Among those being seen are women at the end of their pregnancies who have had no prenatal care, and patients with complications from heart disease and diabetes because their chronic illnesses arent being properly managed.
It presents a significant dilemma for area hospitals which are ethically obligated to treat these patients, but do not have the resources at a time when they are cutting costs by $40 million.
“Wed never turn anyone away, said Higgins. “On the other hand, there is a cost to that.
As a result, St Josephs has put its support behind a national day of action arranged by doctors opposed to the cuts.
It is also starting to track the cost of caring for uninsured refugees after Torontos hospitals reported footing bills adding up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cuts have cost the University Health Network $800,000 in its emergency rooms alone. The cost is $112,000 at St Josephs Health Centre, $70,000 at Toronto East General Hospital and $63,000 at St Michaels Hospital.
“I have called on the federal government to reverse the decision, Health Minister Deb Matthews told The Spectator. “Were watching it very closely. Its not fair to put health professionals in the position of refusing care based on someones refugee status. We are hearing from hospitals about the pressures.
Hamilton Health Sciences hasnt started tracking the costs yet, but says its on the radar.
“We are concerned about it, said Dr Richard McLean, executive vice-president of interprofessional practice. “The federal government has basically downloaded these costs.
Citizen and Immigration Canada predicts the changes will save $100 million over five years and says it will bring refugee claimants in line with the majority of Canadians.
“Canadians have been clear that they do not want illegal immigrants and bogus asylum claimants receiving free, gold-plated health-care benefits that are better than those that Canadian taxpayers and seniors receive, said a statement provided by the department.
“The Government of Canada has taken steps to ensure that genuine refugees and asylum seekers from non-safe countries continue to receive comprehensive health-care coverage.
Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care argue it costs taxpayers more money when refugees, who have been cut off care, end up in the emergency department because chronic conditions and other health issues arent being properly monitored.
“Were not surprised the hospitals are getting some of the costs downloaded to them, said Hamilton internist and local leader Dr Tim OShea. “People who are not able to get primary care are forced to wait for a crisis and go to the ER. That is more costly and not the best place to get care.
For more information: http://www.thespec.com