Canadians are too polite to challenge “fear mongering” in health care, says Steven Lewis, a health policy and research consultant.
“We never want to confront one another,” he told a gathering of Canadian health-care researchers and policy makers in Saskatoon Nov. 6.
Lewis pointed to the need for discussions within bodies like elected health boards, citizen panels or community associations, anywhere people can be heard or elect others to exert influence. He said the debate needs to be democratic, open, honest and fact-based.
“You’re certain not to have influence or impact if you don’t make the attempt,” he said. “Not to do anything is defeatist and bad for democracy.”
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The creation of medicare would not have been possible in such a negative and cynical environment, Lewis said, noting governments today are more contentious than co-operative.
There are myths perpetuated by people with an interest in criticizing the system.
One misperception is that medical services will not be there when people need them, even though most patients are generally satisfied with the health care they do receive.
There is also a view that Canadians are flocking south for services when in fact only 1/10th of one percent of Canadians seek out medical aid there.
Lewis said ways are needed to assess and diagnose the health system.
“We form health-care policy on rational empirical data, but we implement health policy in response to people’s hopes and fears.”
He said money alone will not solve what ails medicare, noting increased funding in the last five years has not changed much.
To make change, people will have to get involved, participate in the process and air different points of view to groups like the commission headed by former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow examining the future of health care in Canada.
“Canadians will have to choose, because if they just stand by, elites or politicians will choose for them.”
Lewis said people cannot criticize government as unresponsive and remote and then refuse to vote or get involved.
“Democracy is messy and sometimes we don’t get what we want,” he said, noting the process takes time and patience.
“We have to be in civic actions for the long haul.”
Summarizing points raised during the conference, Lewis said Canadians need to connect in broader ways and be well informed before being polled.
“We are pretty tepid to mobilize ourselves on causes we believe in,” said Lewis.
