Regionalizing Health Care Budgets in BC

The government of British Columbia’s 1993 health reform initiative, “New Directions for a Healthy BC,” signaled the beginning of regionalization – decentralization to address local health care and promote community-based care. 

In this 2002 policy paper, the Doctors of BC concluded that the BC Ministry of Health pursued, without success, the development of a functional regional model for the management and delivery of health care services. In 2001, with a new governance structure in place and the introduction of a Population 

Needs-Based Funding (PNBF) model, the BC Ministry of Health is creating a new dynamic in health care. As change unfolds, new risks and challenges to ensure appropriate access to care will be encountered, including restoring the morale, involvement and support of the physician community.

Within that difficult and sensitive environment, the Doctors of BC outline eight conclusions and recommendations.

For the full policy paper, please see “Regionalizing Health Care Budgets in BC”.