Ontario, to address the surgical backlog, somewhat uncharacteristically is investing in for-profit providers of care. This is due to a strong demand for surgical procedures compared to the public sector’s ability to provide them and thus reduce patient wait time.
The Government of Ontario has also partnered with private sector agencies for a variety of health care services, including surgical procedures, to help improve the current capacity and access to care. This approach to health care should act as a supplement to the public system in allowing patients further access to the care they require.
However, the critics argue that this creates a possibility for the government to invest with for-profit health providers, thus a privatization of necessary healthcare services that may downgrade healthcare quality. Such groups believe that governments should be investing in the public health system, rather than outsourcing services to for-profit providers.
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On the other hand, the supporters of the approach say it works to enable the government to reach its objectives, further opposing the above argument. They argue that the private sector boasts a historical record of innovation and efficiency and is able to introduce new ideas and approaches to healthcare service delivery.
Importantly, the Ontario government has taken measures to make sure quality and safety of care are upheld, regardless of where they obtain the service. For instance, they have set standards and regulations for a for-profit healthcare provider and put mechanisms for surveillance and appraisal of the quality care offered by the for-profit providers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the for-profit healthcare provider investment by the government is to clear the backlog of surgical procedures in Ontario. The actual effect of this approach remains to be observed, but most probably it will stay on the agenda for the public, healthcare workers, and policymakers. The essence of the whole issue is to keep the patients receiving the care they need on time and efficiently, while upholding quality of care and protection in regards to patient safety.
