Ontario’s doctors are reminding urban municipal leaders attending the 58th annual Ontario Small Urban Municipalities (OSUM) conference and trade show in Niagara On-The-Lake about the important role physicians play in their communities and of a strong and high functioning health-care system.
This conference brings urban municipal leaders together to discuss issues that affect small urban communities.
Recent polling conducted on behalf of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) reveals that nine in ten Ontarians believe that health care is the most important issue, despite the focus on jobs and the economy of late.
In addition, polling data show that regardless of which party Ontarians affiliate with they still choose health care as their number one issue.
Earlier this year, Ontario’s doctors released their provincial election policy platform, Better Care. Healthier patients. A stronger Ontario.
The platform contains 41 recommendations designed to improve patient care and strengthen Ontario’s healthcare system. Some recommendations include:
– fighting childhood obesity by requiring fast food chains to list calorie contents on menu boards, and by mandating physical activity in our high schools.
– stopping kids from getting easy access to cheap, illegal cigarettes, by implementing a comprehensive contraband control strategy.
– ensuring every person in Ontario has an electronic medical record by 2015 and expanding the system to 5,000 more physicians;
– expanding the number of family health teams;
– implementing a mental health strategy with a focus on our young people whose parents continue to find significant gaps in resources and care options; and
– reducing the number of ALC patients by increasing long-term care capacity and home support services.
President of the Ontario Medical Association Dr.; Stewart Kennedy said, “Health care isn’t just a cost, it’s an investment.
If people are healthy and well they are more productive members of society. More importantly, if you have a strong health care system, employers from around the world will be attracted to invest in Ontario.
A strong health care system is the foundation for a strong and vibrant economy.”
He added, “Ontario’s doctors will continue to be leading advocates when it comes to helping shape the future of the health care system. We are calling on urban municipal leaders and each of the political parties to commit to making health care a priority in the next election.”
