Free healthcare for everyone
Canada scores well with "Medicare", the healthcare system for all - more or less according to the British NHS (National Health) system. At least, the principle is commendable. The implementation leaves much to be desired, especially in the last ten years.
The system is groaning under financial worries and a lack of skilled workers. There are enormous waiting lists for many procedures, so the pressure on patients and employees is actually increasing all the time.
It is also striking that many medical procedures remain uncovered. This varies, more or less, from province to province. People are often not covered for the dentist, for medicines and for psychological help. Even for an ambulance you still have to pay for it yourself here and there.
A waiting list for the GP and a hospital that is suddenly closed for a weekend.
And more situations like that.
Millions of Canadians do not have a primary care physician. Whoever moves is the loser. Those who immigrate cannot find a doctor. But even if you do have a general practitioner and he retires, there is simply no other person who can take over.
There are some day clinics, but they are generally full as soon as they open their doors.
The emergency service at the hospital cannot handle the pressure and sometimes keeps patients waiting for 12 hours.
Many emergency services remain unmanned and simply have to close the tent for a while.
Specialist help usually takes a long time to arrive. Even for a first consultation with the specialist, you may have to wait months or even years.
Even fairly simple procedures such as an MRI are rationed. There is a major shortage of equipment but also of expert personnel. The wait time can be months and even longer if the matter is not too urgent.
Anyone who needs an operation will be put on the waiting list. It may take years before it's your turn.
Mopping with the tap open
Attracting skilled workers from abroad
While Canada is already trying to attract trained nurses, doctors and other professionals from other countries (for example the Philippines), far too few study places are being made available to ever solve the shortage locally.
It is cheaper to attract already trained professionals than to develop expensive training courses yourself.
It is remarkable that quite a few Canadian doctors and nurses are now emigrating to other countries (especially the US). People can earn more there and the workload is less.
Many professionals are turned off by the old and dirty hospitals in Canada. Read more about it here (link).