REFORM OR DIE

Reform or die - how to save public health care

On Tuesday, 25 September 2001, over 100 people attended a lunch with Johan Hjertqvist, one of the architects of health reform in Sweden. Johan provided an insightful discussion of the challenges and opportunities being discovered in Sweden as they move forward.

Hjertqvist's view is that those who oppose healthcare reform are, in fact, those who pose the greatest danger to the continued survival of a strong public health care system. Reform must, however, be aimed at putting patients first. Sweden has introduced competition into the provision of healthcare services, healthcare guarantees (treatment within 90 days), mechanisms to inform consumers about waiting lists and health care quality via the internet, and rewards for workers throughout the system for productivity. By creating incentives for every participant in the health system, Sweden has improved patient care by harnessing individual and organisational self-interest to serve the common good.

To review Hjertqvist's power point presentation go to:

http://www.aims.ca/Prevevents/sweden.html