September 10, 2024 from The Financial Post
In recent years, concerns over the accountability and transparency of the Canadian healthcare system have grown. With long wait times and insufficient communication around critical cases, many patients are left without the care they need in a timely manner.
A Case That Highlights the Problem: Allison Ducluzeau
A striking example is the case of Allison Ducluzeau, a British Columbia resident who sought treatment for late-stage cancer in 2022. After being refused potentially life-saving surgery by the B.C. government, she was offered assisted suicide as an option. Ducluzeau, however, chose to seek treatment abroad, ultimately paying $200,000 for surgery in Baltimore. Today, she is in remission, back at work, and thriving—a testament to the importance of timely care.
A System Lacking Transparency
This case illustrates a larger problem: accountability in the healthcare system. As Colin Craig highlighted in his article,
“governments regularly get away without disclosing serious breaches”
when patients experience unnecessary delays or errors. A report from SecondStreet.org shows that at least 17,296 patients died in 2022-23 while waiting for surgeries or diagnostic scans. Despite this, government transparency about these issues remains minimal. Most provinces fail to provide a breakdown of deaths resulting from delayed care, with Nova Scotia being one of the few exceptions.
Should Healthcare Meet Business Standards?
In a system that demands transparency from businesses, should healthcare not be held to the same standards? Provincial governments mandate companies to report even minor workplace injuries. Yet, there are no comparable requirements to disclose when patients suffer harm or death due to delayed medical care. As Craig points out,
“If governments want to improve accountability in the health care sector, they could require health departments to be more upfront when mistakes are made.”
The Financial Burden of Seeking Care Abroad
Not only is transparency critical, but financial accountability is also essential. Ducluzeau’s case highlights the financial strain that patients may face when seeking treatment abroad, which the government could have provided. While she has sought reimbursement for her costs, the B.C. government has yet to respond. In the wake of serious breaches like these, patients should have recourse to recover some of their expenses, especially when the healthcare system falls short.
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