A new poll commissioned by SecondStreet.org found that a majority of Canadians supported introducing private clinic options or reimbursements for health care work done abroad in order to reduce surgery backlogs.
The poll was conducted by Leger from Oct. 2 to Oct. 7 and surveyed 1,534 Canadians.
When asked whether they wanted to see a system similar to the European Union, where people have the right to visit health care providers in neighboring countries for services and be reimbursed, 72% supported the idea.
“Canadians also really like the idea of copying a policy in the European Union that allows patients to be reimbursed for surgeries abroad,” said President Colin Craig in a press release on the poll.
“It’s not a perfect solution, but it could provide immediate relief for patients who are suffering and reduce waiting lists.”
Another 64% were open to having governments hire private clinics to help reduce backlogs. Only 20% were against the idea.
“Canadians appear to be very keen for governments to move forward with health reform,” said Craig.
“Overall, reform has been slow, but we’re seeing some positive changes in Canada, such as governments hiring private clinics to reduce surgical waiting lists. Canadians overwhelmingly support that approach.”
When asked whether Canadians should be allowed to use their own funds to pay for private health care, 51% found the idea favourable.
Canadians also supported requiring provincial health ministers to provide annual updates on how many people have died due to health care backlogs and wait lists.
Across Canada, hospitals have reported growing backlogs and wait lists as the health care system struggles to recuperate from the pandemic.
A prior report by SecondStreet.org found that over ten thousand Canadians died due to delays and cancellations from 2020 to 2021.
