I must reluctantly point out to Alberta's Health Minister and his CEO of Alberta Health Services that when their officials make misleading statements to the public, it is the responsibility of the minister and the CEO to refute those statements.
The claim that services provided in private clinics cost the same amount as services provided in public facilities, once the overhead is included, is a total misrepresentation of the facts. All facilities’ overhead in public institutions, including the cost of the building and equipment, is owned by Albertan taxpayers.
The overhead paid for by private clinics is owned by the private interests. The use of tax dollars to subsidize private profits through public payment for private equipment and facilities is in direct violation of the principles and morals of public health care.
The minister and CEO should clarify this obfuscation of the issue of increased costs associated with private health care providers.
Don McGregor, Edmonton
