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Next steps on new health care deal tops agenda for premiers

OTTAWA – The last time all of Canada’s premiers sat down around the same table, their attention was focused on getting Ottawa to pay more to fix the understaffed, hospitals, shuttered emergency rooms, surgical backlogs and health-worker shortages threatening the viability of their health systems. When they sit down in Winnipeg for their annual summer gathering this week, the attention will turn more to how to use the new money Ottawa has now promised. After two years of provincial pleading and sabre rattling for a new health care deal, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally put new money on the table…
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Trans patients share what it’s like to seek health care: ‘Treated without any humanity’

A few weeks ago, River Smith visited his primary care doctor in the Tampa Bay, Florida, area because he needed a new prescription for testosterone and the estrogen blocker he took as part of his gender-affirming care. That’s when he learned some news that upset him. “They weren’t prescribing any medication,” the 40-year-old tells TODAY.com. “With the laws just passing … they were waiting for the Florida medical board to come up with their plan of action.” In May, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law that made headlines for banning trans children from receiving gender-affirming care. But the new…
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National medical organizations call on premiers to focus on health care reform

Open this photo in gallery: The Council of the Federation is set to meet July 10-12 in Winnipeg. When they do, the continuing crisis facing health care systems across the country must be at the top of the agenda, said Alika Lafontaine, president of the Canadian Medical Association.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press Physician and nurse advocacy groups from across the country are issuing an urgent call for premiers to make health reform a top priority when they meet next month, as patients struggle to get timely access to care and many hospitals are overwhelmed because of staffing shortages. A letter published…
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As Sudan war rages, the country’s health system nears breaking point

LONDON — When electricity shortages closed the Ibrahim Malik Teaching Hospital where Dr. Mohamed Karrar worked, he packed a bag with any medical equipment and medicine he could carry. “I posted on Twitter that I am an emergency doctor in Al Mamoura available at any time for anyone who needs me for free, along with my phone number,” Karrar said. The doctor is one of many Sudanese medical professionals working in neighborhood primary health care centers amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where rival forces are battling for control of the country. Cease-fire talks that could end the bloody conflict…