My baby girl almost died. That’s why national pharmacare will decide my vote
The experience of Scott MacMillan, a resident of Dumfries, N.B., sheds light on the gaps in Canada’s healthcare system when his daughter, Rosemary, was hospitalized. Rosemary’s journey began in an emergency room in Fredericton, where doctors were struggling to get fluids into her body due to diabetic ketoacidosis. This life-threatening condition was caused by her pancreas not producing enough insulin, putting her young life in jeopardy.
Despite the pandemic protocols, Scott was allowed to be by his daughter’s side as she was airlifted to a hospital in Halifax for specialized care. The uncertainty and fear that gripped Scott during this time were palpable as he raced against time to reach Rosemary in Halifax. The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes was a heavy blow, and it highlighted a crucial flaw in Canada’s healthcare system – the lack of universal drug coverage.
While medicare covered the emergency airlift and hospital stay, the life-sustaining medication and devices that Rosemary needed were not guaranteed. The cost of managing Type 1 diabetes can be exorbitant, with some Canadians resorting to rationing insulin or going without medication due to financial constraints. This disparity in drug coverage across provinces and private insurance plans underscores the urgent need for universal pharmacare.
The recent legislation for a nationwide pharmacare plan, spearheaded by the Liberal government with support from the NDP, is a step in the right direction. However, the future of pharmacare remains uncertain, with political will playing a crucial role in its implementation and sustainability. The Conservative Party’s initial opposition and vague statements regarding the program’s continuation raise concerns about its longevity.
As a father, Scott emphasizes the importance of pharmacare in providing essential medication for his daughter’s lifelong condition. Beyond the financial implications, pharmacare symbolizes freedom – the freedom to pursue opportunities without worrying about drug coverage, the freedom for parents to prioritize their child’s health without financial strain, and the freedom for individuals to access necessary medication without barriers.
In the upcoming federal election, Scott’s vote will be guided by the issue of pharmacare and its impact on his daughter’s health and well-being. No parent should have to face the dilemma of choosing between their child’s life and financial burden. Scott’s advocacy for pharmacare is a testament to his commitment to ensuring that all Canadians have access to life-saving medication and medical supplies.
The journey of Scott and Rosemary serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of universal pharmacare in bridging the gaps in Canada’s healthcare system and providing equitable access to essential medication for all.
