Discussion of the Effects of a Two-Tier Healthcare System Among Society

Two-Tier or Not Two-Tier?

Discussion of the Effects of a Two-Tier Healthcare System among Society

Deana Saleh

Fanshawe College

Author Note

This report was prepared for WRIT-7004-03-12, section C, taught by Professor Thomas Barnes

Two-tier or not two-tier, that is the question; a question that mingles in the minds of Canadians across the nation. For years, politicians have considered various models of healthcare, and have debated over which system will best meet our population's needs. Though many citizens disagree with our current system as does Thomas Douglas, author of "Two-Tier Healthcare: The solution to Canada's Healthcare problems," in which he discusses the possible benefits of adopting a dual tier system providing shorter wait times, an increasing salaries of

healthcare professionals and the right to access immediate medical attention if one can afford to do so. However, Douglas's opinion seems biased and fails to consider that a two-tier system is not in the best interest of all Canadians by creating a socioeconomic gap between the rich and poor, increasing wait times in the public system, and ultimately causing the healthcare system to deteriorate.

According to Douglas's beliefs those who have wealth should not wait in line to access the services of healthcare professionals. Thomas (2009) states "Finally, It is not reasonable to group all Canadians together as equals when it comes to health care. For instance, what if a wealthy lawyer... needs a transplant: why must he wait in line behind less-well to do Canadians to receive treatment"(p.1)? In today's society our economy continuously rewards those who are wealthy with increased opportunity. But, is good health really the equivalent to a new Mercedes or a summer loft in the Bahamas? The creation of a two-tier system will not only separate the rich and the poor financially, but separate the two in the level of care they will potentially receive. The individual paying for healthcare services will be granted longer doctoral services allowing thorough assessments and accurate diagnoses. In 1984, Canada passed "The Canada Healthcare Act" which defines Canadian healthcare as follows, "to protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada and to facilitate reasonable access to health services without financial or other barriers" (Canada health act, 2005, p.2). Ultimately it is important to realize that it is morally unacceptable and against the Canadian constitution to base access to healthcare on income versus need.

One of the greatest issues Canadians frustrated by the public system face today are the long wait times. Douglas believes that the creation of a two-tier system will reduce long waits, he later says that more doctors will continue to practice in Ontario if they can become privatized to increase their salaries originally in place