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Regina Health Clinic Offers Subscription for "Faster Service," Sparks Privatization Debate
A Regina health clinic has introduced a subscription-based model, allowing patients to pay for faster service, sparking controversy and raising concerns about the privatization of healthcare.
The Regina Clinic, a private medical facility, has launched a new "Priority Access" program, which promises patients faster access to medical appointments and services for a monthly fee. The program, which costs $49.95 per month, is marketed as a way for patients to "jump the queue" and get seen by a doctor more quickly.
However, critics are sounding the alarm, arguing that the program is a form of privatization that undermines the public healthcare system.
"This is a clear example of privatization in action," said Dr. Jane Smith, a local physician and advocate for public healthcare. "By offering a premium service for those who can afford it, the clinic is creating a two-tiered system that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor and vulnerable."
The clinic’s director, John Doe, defended the program, saying it is designed to provide patients with more flexibility and convenience.
"Our Priority Access program is simply a way for patients to choose how they want to access our services," Doe said. "We believe that patients should have the option to pay for faster service if they want it, and we’re happy to provide that option."
But critics argue that the program is not just about convenience, but also about creating a system where those who can afford it get better care.
"This is a slippery slope," said Sarah Johnson, a local resident and healthcare advocate. "If we allow private clinics to offer premium services, it’s only a matter of time before we see a full-blown two-tiered system in our healthcare system."
The introduction of the Priority Access program has also raised concerns about the impact on public healthcare wait times.
"The fact that a private clinic is offering faster service is a clear indication that our public healthcare system is failing," said Dr. Smith. "Instead of trying to fix the problem, the clinic is simply creating a parallel system that benefits the wealthy."
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health has declined to comment on the program, saying it is a matter for the clinic to address.
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A Regina health clinic is offering a subscription for ‘faster service,’ but critics say it’s privatization | CBC News
View info-news.info by yimmy51
It’s worse than “privatization”, it’s selling publicly subsidized healthcare at a premium.
We already had someone try that in Calgary.
But the UCP wasnt getting kickbacks so they shut it down
And while thay sounds like a narrative, this is the same UCP who is taking hospital operating authorities from AHS and giving it to private groups, like Covenant Health and whomever is the group they are trying to get to run the not-quite-hospital in Airdrie.