More patients, less money to treat them, says OMA

The Ontario government is freezing its health budget for medically necessary services delivered by physicians at a level below that provided in 1992, even though the population has grown by more than 700 000 people since then and the province has about 140 000 more residents who are older than 65. And at the same time it is asking physicians to cut $500 million from the medical care system, the minister of health wants doctors to "improve patient access to services . . . and maintain quality health care." It can't be done, says the Ontario Medical Association (OMA).

OMA president Dr. Ian Warrack says the decision to reduce spending by $500 million will further limit patient access to services and jeopardize the quality of care. "This government must begin to understand that providing medical services is not like ordering government supplies," Warrack said. "It can't simply decide to purchase fewer medical services this year." The needs of an aging population, patients' higher expectations, increased demand for costly and sophisticated technology and new medical programs all contribute to greater use of medical services, he warned. In 1992 OHIP funding per resident was $366; this year it will have declined by 15%, to $312.

| CMAJ June 1, 1996 (vol 154, no 11)