Canada Slips in Health Ranking

Canada drops to 10th out of 16 in annual report, Japan tops the list

Noor Javed, Reporter, 29 Oct 2008

Canada is trailing other developed countries in overall health performance, according to a report released by the Conference Board of Canada yesterday (October 28, 2008).

Canada ranked 10th out of 16 countries in a comparison of 10 health factors. Including; life expectancy, self-reported health status, premature mortality, infant mortality due to cancer, mental disorders, diabetes, circulatory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases and respiratory diseases.

The report is not meant to be an assessment of health care systems, buyt an evaluation of the overall health of the population said Brenda Lafleur, a director with the Conference Board of Canada.

In the past decade, Canada has fallen to 10th place from 5th on the list. This year Canada fell below France, Australia and Sweden. Japan topped the list while the United States came 15th ahead of Denmark.

The report gave Canada a "B" grade on health, and cited increasing levels of mortality due to diabetes which is much more prevalent, as a cause of concern for both policy makers and the public.

Canada was also given poor marks in the report for failing to adequately address the complex issue of mental illness. It stated that "mental health services are in need of serious reform".

Canada's grades have remained in the "B" range since the 1960's.

The report also states concerns that "half of all family physicians are not well prepared to handle patients with multiple chronic health conditions" and Canada received a "C" in the category of adequately dealing with musculoskeletal diseases and the prevention of chronic disease.

Although Canada has one of the highest total health care expenditure levels, ranking 5th, it only ranks 10th on health outcomes.

"These results raise questions about whether Canadians are getting full value for their investment in health and healthcare" said Glen Roberts, Director of Health Programs.

But he adds that improving the overall health of people is not just tied to putting more money into healthcare.

"Health needs to be addressed in a much more holistic way" said Roberts, including reforms for a safer environment, access to affordable housing and working to decrease income disparity among individuals. "There has been a lot less focus on these elements in society, compared to increased investment in healthcare services. But they too have a defining effect on health".

The report also suggests the adoption of a new model of health care, which encompasses preventative measures and better management of chronic disease.