Sitting on waiting lists for surgery and medical procedures lost Canadians almost $4.1 billion in income and productivity in 2021..A new study released Wednesday by the Fraser Institute — an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy organization — reported the losses..Early data suggest an estimated 1.4 million patients waited for medically necessary treatment last year. Each patient lost an estimated average $2,848 as a result of lost wages and reduced productivity during working hours..“Healthcare workers across Canada should be commended for the superb job they’re doing to get us through this global pandemic. However, while we are constantly reminded of the consequences of COVID-19, less discussed are the consequences of unreasonable waits for surgery which can range from physical pain and psychological distress for some, to permanent disability and death for others,” said Bacchus Barua, director of health policy studies at the Fraser Institute and co-author of The Private Cost of Public Queues for Medically Necessary Care, 2022..The study draws upon data from the Fraser Institute’s Waiting Your Turn study, an annual survey of Canadian physicians who, in 2021, reported the national median waiting time from specialist appointment to treatment was 14.5 weeks..Patient wait times and incomes vary by province as does the cost of waiting for health care. While the highest cost of waiting per patient is estimated to be carried by patients in Nova Scotia ($6,343), Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador reported large decreases in the per-patient cost of waiting, warranting caution when interpreting results..Outside the maritime provinces, residents of Manitoba ($3,519) faced the highest per-patient cost of waiting, followed by Alberta ($3,199), and Saskatchewan ($3,129).. Fraser .“Long health-care wait times mean lost wages and a reduced quality of life for patients. While combatting COVID-19 certainly requires our immediate attention, we may need to consider policy options that can benefit all patients and alleviate strain on our public health-care system,” Barua said..Amanda Brown is a reporter with the Western Standard.,abrown@westernstandard.news,.Twitter: @WS_JournoAmanda
