News Releases:

December 12, 2005
Replace wait time benchmarks with 'patient care on demand'
"Wait times should be eliminated, not managed"
Vancouver, BC,


The Canadian Independent Medical Clinics Association (CIMCA) today said that the latest wait benchmarks that Canadian patients are expected to suffer through for treatment is backward and Byzantine for a wealthy industrialized country like Canada.

Dr. Brian Day. Orthopedic Surgeon and President of CIMCA, said that federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh should eliminate the wait time benchmarking group and implement a policy of patient care on demand.

"The time has ended for studying the problem and setting standards," said Day. "Wait times do not need be managed. They need to be eliminated."

Dr. Day recommended that emergency and urgent cases be treated immediately and elective procedures be completed within two weeks. Failing that, patients should be sent to a private clinic at the government's expense for immediate treatment.

"Eliminating wait lists is a necessary and realistic goal that other European countries have accomplished with universal healthcare systems complemented by private-sector options," Day said. "Canadians patients deserve the same standards of care and access."

Day noted that the Supreme Court of Canada stated that the pain and suffering of patients waiting for necessary health care is unacceptable.

"Let's live up to the law of land and the moral obligation that obliges us as doctors to treat patients when they need care without delay, not 26 weeks for a hip replacement."

CIMCA is a not-for-profit organization that represents medical clinics, health care workers and patients. Its mission is to promote improved access to high quality and timely health care for all Canadians.

For further information:
Dr. Brian Day T: 604.874-1349 or
Victor Vrsnik T: 604.764.2877

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