| I am writing in regards to the restrictions of funding for physiotherapy services within the Calgary Health Region.
The matter was abruptly brought to my attention on Wednesday August 18, 2004. I walked in to my physiotherapist's office and saw a letter at the main reception desk. It was there in the waiting room that I learned the treatments I was receiving would no longer be covered by Alberta Health Care as of September 1, 2004.
I am a 25-year-old university student who is suffering from a work-related injury, and is supported mostly on student financing. Through the use of physiotherapy, I have vastly improved the range of motion of my injury, as well as alleviated my chronic pain without the use of a single prescription medication. My physiotherapist and I chose to heal my body through the use of strengthening exercises and acupuncture. As of September 1, these services will be unavailable to me and every other Calgarian who is unable to "front" the $50 per treatment.
My alternative to using a physiotherapist is going through my family doctor for prescription pain killers. Not only is that ineffective in treating my injury, it forces me to be dependant on the health care system indefinitely. Why am I being forced into this decision?
I feel my rights to choose appropriate, effective health care are being stripped away from me.
I don't feel enough attention has been brought to this issue; I am concerned about the state of our health-care system in Calgary. I urge my fellow Calgarians to take action, and fight for our health-care system.
|
Copyright ©2004 FFWD. All rights reserved.