Public health reports
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In canada, health care is publicly insured and available to all at no charge. Recently, financial pressures have threatened the system and led to considerable debate about how to save it. ⋯ Using as an example cataract surgery-a procedure that is available both publicly and privately-the authors look at some common beliefs about private health care in Canada. They conclude that the growth in private sector cataract surgery does not appear to be related to cutbacks or rationing, that private access does not necessarily shorten waiting times, and that, contrary to popular belief, it is not only the well-to-do who pay for private surgery in Canada.