Public Health

Preferred pharmacy networks – innovation or inertia?

Preferred pharmacy networks present a controversy that pits two essential providers – pharmacies and drug insurers – against each other.

Canada’s first Clade I mpox case a wake-up call for public health

Canada has an opportunity to prevent sustained Clade I mpox transmission, but only if decisive action is taken now.

Protecting the Canada Health Act comes at the expense of patients

It’s time to stop treating the Canada Health Act as a symbol and start treating it as what it is: A tool that needs updating.

No reinforcements

Practising family medicine in a rural community is dire these days. It’s precarious for patients and stressful for physicians and there’s no one coming to save us.

Failing those in need 

Health care for undocumented people living in Canada is fractured. We need a comprehensive plan to help the most vulnerable among us, otherwise they will fall through the cracks.

‘We might die because you won’t wear a mask’: A plea to health-care workers

Yes, it’s time to mask again. We need to do better. We know how to do better. We can save so many lives and preserve the dignity of patients in the process.

Pregnancy with HIV: Breaking down barriers and overcoming stigma

Maria's experience highlights the need for better training on HIV management in maternity care. No woman should feel like an outsider or unwanted during the very time when she is bringing life into the world.

The Czardom of Kevin Brosseau, first of his name 

In a (failed) attempt to avoid tariffs, the Canadian government agreed last month to invest heavily in border security. Who is the man tasked with securing the border? Newly appointed Fentanyl Czar and former Mountie, Kevin Brosseau.

The Innocents Aboard (a bike)

I imagine what it will be like for drivers when bike lanes are gone and seeing cyclists will be a surprise. As a physician, I worry I will be the first to see the aftermath of these decisions.

Breaking down barriers: How to improve refugee access to health care

Refugees often face language barriers, cultural differences and a lack of knowledge about our health-care system, which can lead to delays in receiving care and poorer health outcomes.

Ontario provincial election will affect health care greatly: Choose wisely

With a provincial election coming in a few days, there are a few things we should reflect on regarding health care in our province.

Guelph braces for ‘devastating impacts’ as supervised consumption site set to close

As Guelph’s only supervised consumption site prepares to close March 31, advocates warn people will die and the surrounding community will suffer.

Charity fills the gap in pet fostering services for struggling community members in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

For The Homies - Downtown Eastside Pet Support Society is a new grassroots organization offering much-needed pet fostering and other pet services for community members and their furry friends.

The reality of family medicine has changed. The health system must keep up

It’s time to break down the siloes in health care and focus on collaboration instead. No one wants to leave patients out in the cold.

Misinformation on social media is winning – scientists must adapt or lose the battle

Scientists and health professionals must rethink how we communicate or risk further marginalization in the public discourse, allowing falsehoods to shape policies, behaviours and health outcomes.

Despite Trump’s threat, congestion pricing has proved its worth in Manhattan

As both history and New York's experiment has shown, a well-thought out congestion pricing plan will ultimately benefit everyone.

Dual HIV/syphilis rapid test aims to lessen stigma, reach underserved communities

As rates of syphilis and HIV continue to climb in Canada, a dual rapid test recently was approved by federal regulators, making it the second of its kind to become available in the country.

Health misinformation is rampant and deepens inequities for marginalized communities

Health misinformation is more than a communication challenge; it’s a driver of inequity. By addressing these disparities head-on, we can ensure that no one is left behind in our health system.

The role of innovation in addressing Canada’s primary care crisis: A response

Rather than dismissing innovative care models, we should evaluate how their successful elements can be integrated into our public system.

Is the red dye ban a case of virtue signalling?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent announcement that Red 3 will be banned will go down in history as the very definition of a red herring.