YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES--(Marketwire -08/14/12)- An equitable health care system is built on the foundation of a public, non-profit system, according to research by Canadian Doctors for Medicare.

Taking Action on Health Equity in Canada, a new policy document by Canadian Doctors for Medicare builds on the excellent CMA papers and focus on equity at General Council, but goes further to call for action needed by governments for an equitable health care system.

"We can't have an equitable health care system if it's based on Canadians' ability to pay instead of their health care needs - we must address the inequities created by for-profit delivery of health care, and lack of access to life-saving medications," said Dr. Vanessa Brcic, executive board member of Canadian Doctors for Medicare.

The policy paper outlines six essential areas where the CMA can play an essential role in advocating for conditions that would improve health equity in Canada:

"An equitable health care system is also a sustainable one," said Dr. Bob Woollard, board member of Canadian Doctors for Medicare. "Evidence shows that a public health care system costs less and produces better outcomes for patients - we need our leaders, both among physicians and politicians - to recognize that the right thing to do is the smart thing to do."

The full report can be found at http://www.canadiandoctorsformedicare.ca.

Originally posted here:

For Health Equity, Docs Prescribe Public Health Care