International

Shopping for care. Is medical tourism a benefit or risk to our health-care system?

Medical tourism (MT) is a fast-growing global market and it’s not going away. But while some argue that MT might alleviate the Canadian health-care system's wait times, it also comes at a price.

Ontario taxpayers bearing the burden of ‘OHIP for all’ policy

Ten days into the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario's public health insurance policy was expanded to include all uninsured patients, like temporary workers and tourists. But more sustainable solutions are needed in place of “OHIP for All.”

Malnourishment by design

Colonial attitudes and policies, now recognized as powerful social determinants of health, have led to mass hunger and preventable diseases.

‘Our planet, our health’ – Making peace with nature

The theme for World Health Day reflects a growing global concern with the health impacts of massive and rapid human-driven ecological changes. While climate change is front of mind, having been recognized as “the single biggest health threat facing humanity” by the WHO as far back as 2008, the changes and challenges we face are far greater than that.

A recipe for hope: How to vaccinate the world and end the pandemic

Researchers have developed a new COVID-19 vaccine, and they have no intention of filing a patent. Instead, they have concrete plans for large-scale manufacturing in the Global South. This is what global vaccine equity looks like.

We need to do more: Advocating for refugee health after arrival in Canada

Canada is considered a “world destination” for refugees, but are we doing enough to support their unique health needs?

‘For the virus, one person is the entire environment’: The emergence of Omicron

Some virologists hypothesize that Omicron and other variants of concern emerged after mutating within an immunosuppressed person. The solution, they say, is to get vaccines to under-vaccinated countries.

We’re not safe until we’re all safe: Canada must live up to global vaccine commitments

Global vaccine inequity is not just wrong, but also dangerous. As Omicron is showing us, we aren’t safe until we’re all safe. Here's how Canada can contribute to global vaccine equity now.

Montreal mobile clinic inspires young physician to act locally

A resident reflects on volunteering with Médecins du Monde Canada as a medical student—and what that experience taught her about the crucial role that community organizations play in helping the most vulnerable.

Skies are far from clear as pandemic restrictions ease

Even with travel restrictions lifting, COVID-19 isn’t going away. If you decide to travel, plan for a bumpy ride.

Global inequities intensify debate on decolonizing health care

For the decolonization of global health to succeed, there is a need for Global South countries to step up and address the legacies of colonialism within their health and education sectors.

As COVID ravages the diaspora, Canadian children of South Asian descent are in crisis

South Asian youth are struggling during COVID-19. Here are the supports they need right away.

‘I felt I failed them completely’: Doctor describes shame, frustration as she responds to crisis in India

Dr. Rajani Surendar Bhat talks about the toll that treating COVID-19 in India is taking on her mental health.

The double pandemic: Canadian doctors running “parallel wards” for family and friends in India

Samir Gupta answers medical questions from family and friends with COVI-19 in India from 10 PM until the early morning. He is one of many Indo-Canadian doctors who are battling a "double pandemic" in both Canada and India.

The zero-sum vaccination game

Amidst the clamour for mass vaccination, we think it's worth reflecting on the limitations of our fixation on vaccine procurement as a nation. What does it mean for global health equity?

Canada must show global leadership on vaccine patents

Canada’s refusal to help more than 100 developing countries mass-produce vaccines is un-Canadian—and hypocritical. This pandemic requires a global solution.

Travel restrictions limit opportunities for personal and professional growth for medical trainees

Due to health and travel restrictions related to COVID-19 and policies by Canadian medical training programs to suspend or discourage international opportunities at this time, a cohort of medical trainees is at risk of missing out on valuable experiences.

‘Already it was hard. Now, it’s become impossible’: Pandemic highlights barriers to healthcare for migrant workers

Contributing to the easy spread of the virus among migrant workers were significant social issues. The result was outbreaks, illness, and sadly, the deaths of three migrant workers.  

Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable: A Canadian’s perspective on studying medicine abroad during the pandemic

We are coming up on a year of COVID-19, and we have overcome more challenges than we ever could have expected. This year has prepared us for the unexpected challenges of the medical profession.

‘It’s not too bad to miss Canadian winter:’ Voluntourism adapting to pandemic

The pandemic forced the shutdown of the $2.6-billion voluntourism industry, but some organizations later reopened with safety protocols that go beyond the bare minimum. However, that’s not always the case.