Points worth considering

I doubt that the view of Canada's nurses will get as much attention as that of the CMA when it comes to the health care debate. But judging from the Globe's web comment, we'd do well to listen to the Canadian Nurses Association:

The option to allow more private care as a solution to problems in the health system may, at first, seem tempting. But it is a penny-wise, pound-foolish and short-sighted decision that flies in the face of evidence. Waiting times for diagnostic and surgical procedures, often the impetus for debate on the system, represent only a tiny part of what a comprehensive, responsive health system needs to be...

We can no longer tolerate short-sighted decisions that are based on the opinion polls of today, with no vision for tomorrow. It is difficult to transform our disease-focused, medical-care system to a health system focused on prevention and wellness while also meeting the need of providing curative care for our fellow Canadians. But the struggle cannot be overcome until all the parties involved are willing to look honestly at the reasons for the problems we face and not opt for facile and potentially destructive solutions such as privatization.

Agreed on all points, in particular the need for a greater focus on prevention which will reduce treatment costs in the long run. But we'll need to win the debate on public control of the system before we can start planning how best to apply that control.