Ottawa says pharmacare is coming here's what you need to know | CBC News
The federal government's budget includes $1.5 billion for pharmacare implementation, addressing the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs in Canada. [ more ]
Health workers fear it's profits before protection as CDC revisits airborne transmission
Hospital leadership instructed health workers to forgo N95 masks early in the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to infections and deaths among frontline workers.
Research on airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was disregarded due to shortages and cost concerns around N95 masks, highlighting challenges in following scientific advice during emergencies. [ more ]
Over-capacity ERs are dangerous choke points. But hospital challenges go far deeper | CBC News
Emergency rooms in Canada are overflowing with patients, leading to dangerous conditions and long wait times.
The combination of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, and backlogs in the healthcare system are putting additional strain on hospitals. [ more ]
Europe prepares for a 'tridemic' of respiratory diseases DW 01/11/2024
Europe is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Spain and Italy are particularly impacted, with shortages of hospital beds and overflowing healthcare facilities. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports increasing rates of influenza-like respiratory illness across most European countries. [ more ]
S Korea deploys military reinforcements to hospitals hit by doctors strike
Trainee doctors strike in South Korea over reform plans, prompting deployment of military physicians and public health doctors to hospitals.
Government threatens to suspend medical licenses of striking trainee doctors in South Korea as more than 4,900 have defied orders to return to work. [ more ]
More Americans could get dental coverage under Biden proposal
The Biden administration has proposed including adult dental services as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act, potentially expanding access to dental care for adults.
This proposal may particularly benefit people of color and those with lower incomes who are more likely to have poor oral health.
The proposal aims to address the longstanding coverage gap between dental care and medical care in the healthcare system. [ more ]
America's health system isn't ready for the surge of seniors with disabilities
The number of older adults with disabilities will increase as the baby boomer generation ages, but the healthcare system is unprepared.
The Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health are working to improve access to medical treatments and research for people with disabilities. [ more ]
Statistics show the U.S. health care system is failing Black babies and their families. A new Oakland clinic wants to change that.
Black families face unique challenges in the healthcare system, which can lead to anxiety and stress.
The BLOOM: Black Baby Equity Clinic, staffed by healthcare workers who share the racial identities of the families they serve, aims to address the racial disparities in infant mortality. [ more ]
Is it time to ditch sick note requirements? Doctors and patients are tired of them | CBC Radio
Doctors and healthcare providers are advocating against the requirement of sick notes for minor illnesses, citing the burden it places on the healthcare system.
Patients feel frustrated and embarrassed when they have to request sick notes for minor illnesses and waste time waiting at clinics. [ more ]
Britain is a poorer, sicker place. No wonder disability claims have trebled in a decade | Polly Toynbee
The number of people on disability benefits has tripled, but it doesn't mean the country is sicker than before.
UK faces deeper problems with the health of the nation and the resilience of the healthcare system, leading to increasing costs of declining health. [ more ]
Governor Hochul Addresses Mental Health, Transit, Education & More In 2024 State Of The State
Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State Address and released her agenda for 2024, focusing on making New York more affordable, livable, and safer.
The agenda includes 204 initiatives, addressing topics like mental health, safety, housing, and transportation.
One of the key plans is to address mental illness in children, improve access to mental health care, and strengthen the healthcare system. [ more ]
Why a growing number of Victorians are using hospital bed brokers' to access inpatient mental health care
A brokerage service called Bed Brokers is helping people secure mental health beds in private hospitals amidst a shortage of inpatient beds in the public system.
The demand for mental health referrals to Bed Brokers has been increasing due to a shortage of inpatient mental health beds in the public system. [ more ]