Dear editor,
As a family physician, I am writing to urge our community to consider health when voting this Oct. 21. We know that the actions our politicians take impact the health of all of us.
The following factors are relevant to health and this election:
• Prescription drug coverage
Many of my patients are not able to afford medications, and their health suffers. A national pharmacare plan will address this problem. It will save us money in the long run. Consider your vote for candidates that support this plan.
• Climate change and health
It is clear that climate change is already affecting many people’s health. Examples include forest fires. It is also causing many psychological distress. Please vote for a candidate that will deliver what is needed– zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• Primary care reform
Quality primary care delivered by family physicians is the cost-effective way of improving health outcomes. Access to primary care remains poor; in the Comox Valley we are lucky to have a more physicians compared with other Canadian communities. Physicians have devised a plan called Patient Medical Home which will in part address this.
Listen to your federal candidates to determine their support and methods to improve your primary care.
• Indigenous health
Indigenous members of our community suffer worse health outcomes. This is linked to a number of factors, including social factors and historic trauma. Being a member of a community gives us a responsibility to each other; when all of us thrive, our community thrives. Consider your candidate’s desire to improve the health of all members of our community.
I am not advocating any candidate or party, but am grateful for your readers considering their health and the health of our community when voting.
Dr. Adam Thompson,
Comox
