A commitment to see Aboriginal health at par with others

[HCC -First Nations Health]

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine Applauds Health Council of Canada's Emphasis on Improving Aboriginal Health in First Annual Report

OTTAWA, Jan. 28, 2005

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine welcomed the release yesterday of the Health Council of Canada's first annual report to Canadians.

"I am very pleased to see such an emphasis being placed on the importance of reducing health disparities among First Nations," said National Chief Fontaine. "Many Canadians suffer poor health services due to socio-economic conditions. Unfortunately, the highest percentage of those suffering are First Nations citizens. Today's report specifically highlights the epidemics of suicide and diabetes among First Nations, as well as our high infant mortality rate compared to the rest of Canada."

"I see many synergies between the First Nations Health Action I presented
during the First Ministers Meeting of 2004 and the issues identified by the
Council. I hope to include the Council's recommendations at the First
Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Issues this Fall."

The First Nations Health Action Plan is based upon resourcing that meets
the needs of First Nations, better inter-relationships between First Nations,
federal and provincial/territorial systems, and the critical importance of
supporting self-governing, First Nations health authorities.

The National Chief noted that the Health Council's other three key areas
are also in line with the First Nations Health Action Plan - strengthening
First Nations health human resources; expanding primary and continuing care; and employing information technology. As noted in the AFN Action Plan, the lack of a reasonable, annual rate of growth and of a federal mandate for continuing care, act as barriers to making advancements in First Nations health.

"Provinces received a federal commitment of 6% annual increase in health funding last fall, but First Nations have yet to receive confirmation of an escalator by the federal government. We estimate that a 10-12% increase is needed to address basic sustainability."

While the Council stressed the importance of telehealth and electronic
health records to achieve a more effective and efficient Canadian health
system, First Nations do not have access to the substantive investments made in Canada Health Infoway to make available these technologies for all Canadians.

"We are caught up in a high-tech black hole. While Infoway recognizes that telehealth could have the most benefit for First Nations located more than 90 kilometres from physician services, they do not recognize us as a 'jurisdiction' and so, do not have an administrative mechanism to fund our initiatives." First Nations telehealth projects underway have survived thanks to special pilot project initiatives and linkages with provincial networks, but they are sparse and not sustained on a systematic basis.

The AFN is challenging all governments to make a long-term commitment to offering equitable opportunities for health, and implementation of First
Nations jurisdiction in the development of the upcoming Blueprint on
Aboriginal Health.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing
First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Bryan Hendry, Communications Officer, AFN
Health and Social Development Secretariat, 613-241-6789, ext. 229 or cell 613-298-6106; Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director, 613-241-6789 ext. 320 or cell 613-292-2787; Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 336 or cell 613-859-4335; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, 613-241-6789 ext. 243 or cell 613-298-6382

[Nunavut Telehealth]

Nunavut First in Canada to Provide all its Communities with Telehealth Units

IQALUIT, Nunavut (February 1, 2005)

Nunavut is the first jurisdiction in Canada to establish interconnected telehealth units in all community health centres. The Department of Health and Social Services is launching telehealth facilities in Kimmirut and Whale Cove, completing its chain of connectivity. Ikajuruti Inungnik Ungasiktumi (IIU network) connects Nunavummiut to quality care.

"I am proud to say that Nunavut is a leader in North America in the field
of telehealth technology. We are very pleased that we have achieved our
goal of having all 25 communities in Nunavut equipped with telehealth
units." Health and Social Services Minister Levinia Brown said. "The work
done by Health and Social Services staff to develop the IIU network and
the use of this innovative program by Nunavummiut is building healthy
communities and bringing care closer to home."

Ikajuruti Inungnik Ungasiktumi (IIU), Nunavut's telehealth network,
offers programs such as family visitations, continuing medical education,
pediatrics and obstetrics. It improves the accessibility and quality of
care delivered in the communities in a way that is cost effective by
reducing the need to travel to other locations for medical and social care.

The Ikpigusukniqmut Foundation received a total amount of $150,000 from
NorthwesTel and video-conferencing developer Tandberg Canada Inc. to
establish telehealth centres in Qikiqtarjuaq, Kimmirut and Whale Cove.
NorthwesTel also covered the cost of wiring the buildings at 10
telehealth sites.

"This is an example of how partnerships between the private sector and
the public sector help Nunavut develop and expand its economy," said
Brown. "Telehealth is being used and delivered in Nunavut by Nunavummiut
to give our people better access to health professionals outside their
community."

In the fall of 2004, Nunavut's IIU network won a Silver Award of
Excellence at the 2004 Canadian Information Productivity Awards and an
Award of Excellence from the Canadian Society of Telehealth.

[Health Blueprint Endorsed]

First Nations Health Blueprint Received Strong Endorsement . . .

"The Health Council recognizes that the urgent need to close the gap in poor health between First Nations and the rest of Canada can only be achieved through collaborative action. " AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

February 7, 2006

A year after calling for action to address the disparity between the health of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and other Canadians, the Health Council of Canada in its second annual report repeated its key messages.

Michael Decter, Chair of the Health Council of Canada reminds us that the inaugural report in January 2005, identified priority areas for action, and issuing an overall message of "Hurry up!".

Decter explained, "We said four things needed attention and focus - The people who provide health care – sufficient numbers of health care providers trained in teams must be in place otherwise all other efforts would flounder - The health of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples – we must reduce the huge disparity in health status between Aboriginal Peoples and other Canadians - The organization of primary health care – patients’ first point of contact must be a team of health care professionals who can provide health promotion and disease prevention services - The modernization of health records – electronic patient health information must be available where patients receive services."

Twelve months later that view has not changed.

The report titled, Health Care Renewal in Canada - Clearing the Road to Quality explained, "The challenges remain despite large investments. We still need health care renewal to happen faster and on all fronts . . . clearing the road to quality health care will require sustainable investments, coordination between governments and health care providers, and accountable leadership".

AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine welcomed the Health Council of Canada’s strong endorsement of the Blueprint on Aboriginal Health process, contained in the Second Annual Report to Canadians.

"The Health Council recognizes that the urgent need to close the gap in poor health between First Nations and the rest of Canada can only be achieved through collaborative action . . . It is reassuring that independent experts of the Health Council of Canada have closely examined the Blueprint and have recognized its ’historic importance’ and ’tremendous potential’ to improve Aboriginal health in the next decade."

The National Chief said the AFN has already heard from the new Minister of Health, Tony Clement, "he is prepared to move forward on working through the details of the Blueprint. I look forward to our first face-to-face meeting in the coming weeks".

The AFN leader explained that the First Nations Framework can achieve common objectives identified by the Health Council of Canada - improving waiting times, protecting patient safety, building First Nations health human resources capacity, and clarifying roles and responsibilities among federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations governments.

However, Fontaine added, "New investments will be necessary to achieve the Blueprint’s objectives . . . Without securing the additional funding announced last November, the First Nations health system will be capped, resulting in funding shortfalls, which will translate to reduced, deferred, or the elimination of necessary services".

Previously reported

A commitment to see Aboriginal health at par with others . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... php?p=3947

First Nations Children Face Grim Health Conditions . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... php?t=3808

A commitment to see Aboriginal health at par with others . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... php?t=2604

Native Peoples' Healing and Wellness . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/healing/hea ... llness.htm

AFN First Nations Health Bulletin . . .
http://www.afn.ca/main.asp?id=586

[First Nation Health Funds]

AFN National Chief Says Drug Spending in Canada Report Confirms Discrimination of First Nations

OTTAWA, May 11, 2006

Yesterdays' Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) report on drug spending in Canada confirms that First Nations receive the least amount of
health funding per person.

"We are among the poorest of the poor in Canada, which includes having the poorest health status. Health Canada has acknowledged this for many years." said National Chief Phil Fontaine.

"The average per person drug spending for First Nations is $419 compared to an average of $770 per Canadian, a difference of $350. This is simply unacceptable.

"This situation will only continue to get much worse since there is a projected $2 billion deficit over the next five years on health spending for First Nations," commented the National Chief. "Our people suffer from poor health as a direct result of living in poverty. And yet the government continues to cut corners with our health services."

In 2004-5, the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada, spent approximately $320.6 million on drug benefits, which averages out to $419 per person for the total population of 765,000 First Nations and Inuit. By contrast, the drug spending for Canada's 133,000 veterans is approximately $843 per person; the 67,000 members of the Department of National Defence receive $3,519 per person; for the 21,255 inmates in federal prisons, it is $6,492 per person.

"The NIHB Program has many barriers and restrictions for First Nations accessing the drug plan. Most drugs on the NIHB Benefit list are cheaper generics, while the more expensive drugs or therapies are often listed as
limited use, or may require prior approvals," noted the National Chief.

"Health Canada's mandate is to increase the health status of First Nations.
Why then is the government openly restricting access to benefits? With a 3% cap on the NIHB funding envelope, as opposed to a 6 per escalator for the rest of Canadians, First Nations will continue to suffer unnecessarily."

The AFN released a First Nations Action Plan on NIHB in April, 2005 that
sets out recommendations for addressing the current discrimination.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing
First Nations citizens in Canada.

-30-

For further information: Bryan Hendry, AFN Health and Social Communications Officer, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229 or cell (613) 293-6106; Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director, (613) 241-6789 ext. 320 or cell (613) 292-2787; Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 336 or cell (613) 859-4335/

- - - - - - -

Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) report on drug spending in Canada . . .
http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage. ... 0may2006_e