Task Shifting in Health Care

There is no doctor shortage. A bold statement yet essentially true nevertheless. I have posted on alternatives before.

My take on this today is that under our monopoly-derived primary care system the doctor is the point of initial contact and entry into the convoluted medico system. The logic of centering primary care around the most expensive human resource escapes me. It is akin to specifying that one’s MLA or MPP must be seen regularly before government services are allowed.

And, when you do connect with a primary care physician, the tools available for your health are limited. Five to ten minutes of time. A drug spectrum of diuretic, pain killer, beta-blocker, anti-depressive, sleeping pill, or statin. A referral. A minor surgery. I maintain that a simple three or four year program can address all of these issue nicely.

Task shifting. Why not? And abolish the antiquated referral system. Open up diagnostics and testing. In fact, open up the system to publicly funded competition. Get care when YOU want it. And get the care YOU want.

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