The Canadian health system is mostly controlled by independent public entities, working under Medicare. The government covers 70% of Canadian’s needs, while the remaining 30% is paid through the private sector, whether by plans provided by the employers or through complementary insurance, which is held by two-thirds of Canadians that want to have better access to not covered needs, such as eye care or dentistry.
Even when 75% of Canadians are “proud of their healthcare system”, there are problems that need to be addressed. The Canadian Institute of Health reported that healthcare expenditure reached 12.5% of Canada’s GDP, reaching the 4th per capita spending among the OECD countries. But the same report showed the ageing population represents a 1% cost increase every year, a modest increase that could become problematic if it is considered that 80% of the adults reported having at least one major risk for chronic disease such as; smoking, physical inactivity or excessive alcohol use, also Canada has one of the highest rates of obesities among OECD. This is the reason why Canada needs to embrace innovation and good people health management.