I’m very fortunate. With my son having turned 12 this past year, he qualifies for adult pain medication. That’s not the case for many parents and I feel especially bad for those who have babies and preschoolers. The fact that Canada has a shortage of pain meds for our youngest kids is not only unacceptable, but it also shows our priorities are seriously wacked.
While the ever fluctuating price of gas or stories of ‘travel delays’ dominate some headlines, there are parents who don’t give a tinkers damn today. They’re living with a feeling of true vulnerability, waiting for the ‘other shoe to drop.’ Daunting and unpredictable wait times at Canadian children’s hospitals, combined with a lack of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, is a combination that only increases anxiety for those who should be on the receiving end of assurances from our health leaders.
But what happened to honesty?
Health Canada now says it’s secured more foreign supply of children's pain medication. Great. But just last week, we were being told that the empty shelves were the result of an increase in respiratory illnesses and a lack of ingredients. That of course was bullshit. The problem has existed for weeks and is now so much worse. This is a truly Canadian problem and one that begs the obvious question - why does our health system require a foreign supply?
Is it because we (past federal governments) neglected warnings of a need to manufacture more pharmaceuticals?
Is it a delay linked to bureaucracy over (English/French) language labeling?
Are we tied-up in red ink with warning labels, dosage instructions and other such information that somehow separates the needs of Canadian babies from those elsewhere?
The only thing we know for certain is our system - the Canadian system - is broken. And yes, it is one of the major contributors to ER delays at Children’s hospitals.
Understanding that public health officers - at both senior levels of government - strike a balance between health and politics, I still believe there’s a need to hold up the mirror and ask tough questions. While the federal NDP and Conservatives have been doing some of that, a more proactive political will is required - especially to help our kids and their parents.
Note: Please check out my Vancouver Rundown - a daily summary of what’s making news with links to those reporting it. A trial subscription is free. > Vancouver Rundown