Generation Squeeze's Hard Truths Reframing the health care debate
Feb 14, 2023
In this discussion, Paul Kershaw, founder of Generation Squeeze and UBC health policy professor, tackles the crucial distinction between illness prevention and medical treatment in Canada. He argues that prioritizing social determinants—like housing and childcare—can significantly improve health outcomes and ease the burden on the healthcare system. Highlighting the Get Well Canada initiative, Paul emphasizes that investing in the factors that shape our lives, rather than just treatment, is essential for a healthier society.
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Health Extends Beyond Hospitals
- Medical care accounts for about a quarter of what makes people healthy, so treating illness alone won't fix system strain.
- Investing in social determinants like housing and childcare prevents sickness and reduces pressure on doctors and nurses.
1970s Budgeting Reversed
- In the 1970s provinces spent more on social and education services than on medical care, often by a wide margin.
- By 2019 provinces like BC had flipped to spending substantially more on medical care than on social services.
Pandemic Showed Prevention Works
- During the pandemic the federal government prioritized income supports and business aid, aligning with prevention science more than medical spending.
- That response showed social investments can protect health and reduce medical system strain.