CMA releases wish-list for parliamentarians as they engage constituents over summer months

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has put together a wish-list for the federal government, noting the healthcare system is in “deep crisis.” “The CMA is asking every Member of Parliament to use the summer months to investigate healthcare issues in their respective ridings so they have a better understanding of current challenges and can bring a renewed focus to the fall parliamentary session.” Read: Sperm: Fathers taking metformin could increase the risk of congenital malformation The CMA suggests the parliamentarians look to: Address family doctor shortages, and speak to their constituents about challenges they’ve had finding family doctors, as well as ideas constituents might have. Engage with constituents to understand how backlogs and wait times in the healthcare system are affecting them. Exercise their influence as community leaders to promote pandemic management and public health measures, like emphasizing the benefits of vaccines and booster shots. Seek to further their understanding of how and why marginalized populations have suffered disproportionately throughout the pandemic. Engage first-hand with healthcare workers to gain insights into solving health system issues. “While the delivery of care may be under provincial or territorial government jurisdiction, the responsibility of fixing the many problems in our health system is shared between the federal and provincial/territorial governments,” said Dr. Katharine Smart, CMA president, in a press release. “Federal leadership is required, and it’s time for our MPs to take ownership in learning about and discussing the health issues that affect their ridings. Bring those issues and solutions back in the fall, so we can start addressing the issues facing our health system together.” Read: 'Not protective': Early bodychecking doesn't prevent hockey injuries: study

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