History of Medicine

Medicare). The CHA provides for the federal transfer of funding…

This special volume reflects on how history can help us better understand current policy problems in Canadian medicare.

In September 2016, a case went to trial in British Columbia that sought to test the constitutionality of certain healthcare-related provincial laws. In September of 2020, the challenge was struck down. Colleen Flood’s paper—written before the court’s ruling—will help you understand the legal and policy options available to Canadian lawmakers who may want to limit two-tiered healthcare if a challenge to existing laws is eventually successful. It’s a clear look at an ever-present issue that links Canadian healthcare and the judicial system.

When medicare shifted mental health care into outpatient psychiatric wings, it arguably improved care for many who could now get help without enduring long-stay institutionalizations. But patients were increasingly expected to take responsibility for their own health care plans, which presented challenges that persist today. In this paper, Erika Dyck examines the tradeoffs and considers historical lessons that can contribute to today’s discussions on public policy and mental health care.

Canada is the only country with a broad public health…

Learn about the small, physician-led organizations that have supported Canadian medicare over the years. Understand their common characteristics and see how physicians might become better stewards of this important program in the future.

This article covers seven strategies that Israel uses to manage the costs of its national pharmaceutical program. Canada has much to learn from Israel if it hopes to expand Canadian medicare to include a pharmaceutical benefit for everyone.

Health systems have repeatedly addressed concerns about efficiency and equity…