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Letters to the Editor

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Minister defends health funding model

Sir: It’s very important that Ontario’s senior citizens have access to the programs and services that help them lead healthy and independent lives. That’s why our government is increasing access to physiotherapy, exercise and falls prevention services, for 218,000 more seniors in more locations across Ontario. We can do this only if we change the funding model for physiotherapy.

Under the current model, only 90 of 1000 physiotherapy clinics across Ontario are eligible to provide publicly-funded services. This has led to large geographic inequities in service across Ontario, which we’re resolving with our reforms.

Additionally, just four companies are responsible for two-thirds of physiotherapy billings. This represents the fastest growing cost in our health care system. The primary reason for this is a rise in group exercise programs being billed as physiotherapy in our long-term care and retirement homes, even though only a fraction of these services were provided by physiotherapists.

By ending this exclusive arrangement, we can end the wait list for in-home physiotherapy, offer physiotherapy in more clinic locations and expand access to exercise and falls prevention programs, while ensuring the best value for our public health care dollars.

It is important to note that people who currently need physiotherapy, exercise and falls prevention programs will continue to have access to these services. There have been no changes to eligibility requirements.

These changes may not be welcomed by those companies who stand to lose financially. However I remain committed to a smooth transition to a new model that will serve more seniors. We are working hard to ensure services will continue in locations where they are currently available, and expand them to areas where there currently is no access.

For additional information please visit our website: www.ontario.ca/physiotherapy or contact the Seniors’ INFOline at 1-888-910-1999

Deb Matthews

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

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Time to move away from water fluoridation

Sir: Re: city position on current addition of fluoride in drinking water.

I was amazed to hear that the city was considering not replacing the old system. Is that even possible?

Everyone knows we do not need this toxin in our water yet it is regulated in all drinking water. I for one would love to see it removed but I am not sure you could win that decision. Perhaps if you forwarded the idea someone else would at least be on the hook to pay for the replacement system.

I personally think it should be removed from all drinking water supplies and maybe then there would be a reduction in the demand for bottled water.

B. D. Carson

Sarnia

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