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The picture of health: A vision for B.C.

Thursday, January 23, 2003

The picture of health: A vision for B.C.

The Hon. Sindi Hawkins outlines a new health care vision for B.C.

The Hon. Sindi Hawkins, minister of Health Planning for the provincial government, itemized the challenges that B.C.’s health-care system faces and the actions being taken to ensure sustainable and modern public health care. Hawkins spoke to a full house at today’s Board of Trade luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver.

"British Columbia does have a good health system, but it is one that was built for an earlier era. It is struggling to keep up with our changing needs, and it has become increasingly unsustainable financially as health care cost pressures have increased," said Hawkins. Hawkins proclaimed that the B.C. health-care system is desperately in need of updating to make it more flexible, less fragmented, better organized and financially sustainable.

According to Hawkins, reasons for the health-care system’s struggle include the inability to meet growing demands for services, lack of long-term planning that focuses on illness prevention and wellness strategies, the increasing cost of new drugs and technologies, an aging population and a decline in federal contributions to health care.

"Change is crucial to improve and protect patient care in B.C. and to save our health-care system from financial disaster. The B.C. government’s four long-term goals for our health-care system are: Accessible, high-quality health care; patient-centered public health care; improved health and wellness; and sustainable and affordable health care," said Hawkins.

Hawkins emphasized that we must better serve the needs of people who are chronically ill, people with disabilities, and seniors, so they can be as independent for as long as possible and enjoy a high quality of life. Hawkins also stressed health promotion and a comprehensive approach to preventing disease, rather than simply intervening once patients become ill.

"Health is something that we all value. With your help, patience, support and with the right solution, we can make the B.C. health-care system sustainable now into the future," said Hawkins.

View The Hon. Sindi Hawkins' presentation (PDF/173kb)

View The Hon. Sindi Hawkins' speaking notes

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