The Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) is urging the Harper government to stop stalling and start working with provincial and territorial governments to bring in a universal public Pharmacare program.

The coalition has sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper appealing for action following the release of a report laying out a formula for Pharmacare that would not only offer coverage to all Canadians but could save up to $10.7 billion annually in the process.

BC Health Coalition ACTION ALERT:

Next month municipal governments from around the province will gather to address common issues and advance shared concerns at the Union of BC Municipalities AGM.

For immediate release

Reid Johnson, president of Health Sciences Association, today urged the Vancouver Island Health Authority not to waste time conducting experiments in ideology when they could be taking action to reduce MRI wait times immediately.

For immediate release

Despite strong community opposition and media attention, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority continues to dismantle the outpatient Domestic Violence Program at Vancouver General Hospital. The 18-year-old program is slated to close at the end of this week.

HSA President Reid Johnson said the sudden closure of this program puts vulnerable women at risk.

A small number of patients have begun to arrive today at the special unit prepared for the emergency medical care of migrants from the MV Sun Sea. The Vancouver Island Health Authority and the health care unions have issued a second joint bulletin to update health care workers.

Click here to view second joint bulletin

Over the past few days, VIHA has been working with health care unions to provide information and address concerns in preparation for receiving refugees requiring emergency medical care.

Canadian officials confirmed today that 490 refugees are aboard a vessel approaching the BC coast.

The old emergency department at Victoria General Hospital has been temporarily reopened to provide screening, triage, assessment, and diagnostic care. VIHA has also re-opened 7 North to treat refugees requiring hospital admission.

BC Health Coalition ACTION ALERT:

Less than a week after a sudden announcement to emergency room staff, Vancouver General Hospital has already begun dismantling a much-needed Domestic Violence Program that has been serving the community for 18 years.

The outpatient Domestic Violence Program serves 20-25 clients per week, providing counselling for patients experiencing violent relationships. The program also provides support, education and referrals for child protection and safety planning.

Join the Fight HST Rally
August 8 ... Stanley Park Entrance , Vancouver

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The schedule for the 2010 HSA regional meetings, an excellent forum for HSA members to review the issues and activities of the past year, and to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, has been set by the unions board of directors.