Open Letter to the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health
May 25, 2023
Attn: MLA Jennifer Rice
Parliamentary Secretary of Rural Health
Via email: jennifer.rice.mla@leg.bc.ca
Dear Ms. Rice,
Subject: Proposed Radiation Treatment Transfers to the USA – An Urgent Call for Transparency and Equity
As the Executive Director of the BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN), I am writing to express our organization’s concerns regarding the recent policy proposal to transfer cancer patients from British Columbia to the United States for radiation treatment. While we understand the urgency of treating the backlogged patients and support access to the best possible care, our primary concerns are that this will inadvertently contribute to increased disparity and lack of equity.
Based on information publicly available, we feel the proposed treatment transfer initiative highlights and potentially worsen existing disparities within our healthcare system. Specifically, it raises critical questions about how resources will be allocated and what precedent this sets for the use of private care in a public system. This policy demands a transparent and thorough examination, and we call upon your office for clarity.
Firstly, we would appreciate details about the funding source for this proposed initiative. Will the budget come from existing oncology funds, which are already stretched thin, or will it be categorized as an emergency measure? How will this decision affect future oncology budgets, particularly in rural areas where healthcare services are already under-resourced?
Secondly, it is our understanding that this program proposes to cover travel costs for companions accompanying patients. This is a welcome provision, given the significant role of caregivers in patient recovery. However, it raises questions about why such support is not extended to other patients through programs like the Travel Assistance Program (TAP). How can we address this discrepancy to ensure equity across all healthcare sectors, not just for those selected for out-of-country cancer treatment?
Thirdly, looking ahead, what is the government’s forecast for future cancer patient numbers and our internal capacity to manage this demand? With the current proposal serving as a band-aid solution for the backlog of patients, we are concerned about the government’s long-term plans to build our provincial healthcare system’s resilience. How are we preparing to handle similar crises in the next 10 or 20 years?
Finally, we seek clarity on the selection process for this “golden ticket” to U.S. treatment. What measures are being implemented to ensure that this process is equitable and transparent? Furthermore, we invite your office to address the broader issue of rural residents who are on waiting lists for other urgent care forms. How does the government plan to improve access to care for these patients?
We believe that it is essential for these questions to be publicly addressed to ensure accountability, transparency, and the equitable treatment of all British Columbians. As representatives of rural BC residents, we are eager to collaborate on effective, long-term solutions to these pressing healthcare challenges.
We look forward to your timely response and remain committed to working alongside you in our shared goal of equitable and accessible healthcare for all British Columbians.
Yours in health and wellness,
Paul Adams
Executive Director
BC Rural Health Network
cc: David Eby, Adrian Dix, Shirley Bond, Sonia Fursteneau, Peggy Skelton, Colin Moss, Bob Storey
