Aboriginal Health Policy

2167 Words9 Pages
Aboriginals in Canada In Canada, the provision of universal, accessible, comprehensive, portable, and publically administered health care, is viewed as a fundamental human right. Their universal health care system is a source of pride for many Canadians, as it is based on providing equitable care; ensuring maximal health status to all citizens, regardless of individual differences, such as race and gender. Although the notion of maximal health status is an appealing aspect of the Canadian health system, discrepancies do exist. These discrepancies in health status are seen when comparing Canadian Aboriginals to other Canadian citizens. Those who identify as Aboriginal maintain a lower health status than non-Aboriginal individuals, as they are more likely to suffer from depression, disease, and injury. As a result, Aboriginal individuals also have a lower life expectancy than other Canadian citizens. “According to Health Canada, in 2001 the average life expectancy for First Nations men was 70.4 years, compared to 77.1 for the general population; the corresponding figures for women were 75.5 versus 82.2” (Kirmayer & Valaskakis, 2009). The fundamental cause of these health inequalities and discrepancies can be attributed to social determinants of health. As Mikkonen and Raphael (2010) explain, simply identifying as Aboriginal has negative implications on ones health. This paper will examine the discrepancies that exist in the health care system between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal beings, and determine whether appropriate health services are being provided to Aboriginal individuals. First, health services currently in place for Aboriginal people will be explained. Later, the quality and appropriateness of these services will be examined, based on evidence from the Romanow Commissions (2002) findings and recommendations on Aboriginal health. Finally, the
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