The recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods may impact healthcare, especially given that 40% of Canada’s medical devices originate in the U.S. Emergency physician Raghu Venugopal and Ontario Hospital Association CEO Anthony Dale raised concerns about potential disruptions to access vital medical supplies, which could increase costs for patients and healthcare providers. Healthcare organizations warn that tight hospital budgets may not absorb additional expenses from tariffs, possibly affecting service availability. The integrated North American supply chain for medical technologies means tariffs could significantly impact affordability and access to necessary equipment.
Unlike sticker shock at the grocery store, the challenges the health care system will face might not be immediately recognizable to people outside the industry. Hospitals operating on tight budgets may struggle to absorb these additional expenses, potentially affecting the availability of health care services. "The integrated nature of the North American supply chain of medical technologies means that tariffs from both sides of the border will reduce market access and impact the affordability and access to vital equipment and supplies."
If Ontarians do not believe a trade war will be bad for our publicly funded health care system, I am here to tell you I am worried sick as an hallway ER doctor," tweeted Raghu Venugopal, highlighting the potential repercussions of the trade conflict.
Tariffs and counter tariffs could bring many risks to the province's health care system, "including the disruption of access to vital equipment and supplies," said Anthony Dale, president of the Ontario Hospital Association, signaling concerns from health care leaders.
Patients, providers, and insurance companies could see a spike in health costs, on pacemakers, insulin pumps, and artificial hip joints, warns Medtech Canada, revealing the broader implications of potential tariffs in the medical technology sector.
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