EDMONTON – Health Minister Tyler Shandro and the UCP government are turning their back on patient care in Alberta to pay for a $4.7-billion corporate giveaway.
The UCP is forcing 26,000 patients well-managed on a biologic to switch to a biosimilar for non-medical reasons. Several gastroenterologists, patient advocacy groups, including Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, are opposed to this forced switch and have rallied on the steps of the legislature and sent over 11,000 letters in opposition to this move.
“Since they were elected, Jason Kenney and the UCP have taken a top-down, heavy-handed approach to healthcare in our province,” said David Shepherd, NDP Opposition Health Critic. “This is another instance of this government not consulting with Albertans, it’s unconscionable they are considering such a reckless gamble with people’s health.”
The government claims this is a cost-saving measure, however, gastroenterologists say the consequences of switching could lead to further health problems for vulnerable Alberta patients, such as increased wait times and added pressure on the healthcare system as people get sicker. They also cite the pressures that will be created by forcing thousands of patients to book appointments with specialists to coordinate the forced switch at a time when capacities are already limited wait lists for new patients are extensive.
“It’s very disappointing the Health Minister is risking patient care by forcing thousands of Albertans to switch their treatment without consulting them,” Shepherd said. “I sincerely hope this government will take the time to talk to Albertans who will have to live with the consequences of this decision.”