Media Advisory - Federal budget 2019: Seniors care, pharmacare and virtual care need to be prioritized to improve Canadians' health

OTTAWA, March 18, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) looks to the federal government to make the 2019 federal budget one that is focused on improving seniors care, pharmacare and high-speed internet ? further enhancing access to health care for rural and remote communities by making virtual access an effective option for interacting with medical professionals. In fact, the CMA announced a collaboration today to further assess the opportunities and barriers to the implementation of virtual care in Canada.

The CMA is also looking to the federal government to address the health impact of climate change, a public health imperative that has already started to affect our health care system.

The CMA President, Dr. Gigi Osler, will be available in Committee Room 35B in West Block to comment once the federal budget is tabled.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19 at 4:15 pm (TIME)

WHAT: CMA to comment on federal budget 2019, including:

• Improving access to care via new technologies and high-speed internet
• Seniors care
• Pharmacare
• Efforts to address the health impact of climate change

SPOKESPERSONS:

• Dr. Gigi Osler, President, Canadian Medical Association
• Dr. Laurent Marcoux, Past President, Canadian Medical Association (French; via phone)

Since 1867, the Canadian Medical Association has been the national voice of Canada's medical profession. We work with physicians, residents and medical students on issues that matter to the profession and the health of Canadians. We advocate for policy and programs that drive meaningful change for physicians and their patients.

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association