Canada Faces $5.2 Billion in Lost Wages Due to Medical Wait Times
In 2024, Canadian patients lost an estimated $5.2 billion in wages due to prolonged waiting periods for surgeries and other medically necessary treatments. These delays not only affect public health but also place a major economic burden on individuals and the national economy.
Understanding the Wait Time Problem
Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system guarantees access to care, but not always timely access. Many patients wait weeks—or even months—for consultations, diagnostic tests, and elective surgeries. These delays can severely impact a person’s ability to work, resulting in lost income and productivity.
How the $5.2 Billion Was Calculated
This economic estimate reflects the income that patients forgo while awaiting treatment. It considers factors such as the number of patients waiting, average wait times, and typical wage levels. While universal healthcare offers many advantages, the hidden cost of delays is significant.
Industries and Individuals Affected
The economic impact hits hardest among workers in physically demanding jobs who are unable to perform duties while in pain or awaiting surgery. Small business owners and self-employed individuals also suffer substantial losses during prolonged recovery or wait periods.
Calls for Policy Change
Health policy experts argue that Canada must invest in faster diagnostic and surgical services, expand the use of private clinics, or incentivize retention of healthcare workers to reduce wait times. Delayed treatment can worsen health outcomes and, as the data shows, lead to major economic consequences.
Conclusion
While Canadians value the principles of universal healthcare, the long wait times are causing billions in lost wages annually. Improving the efficiency and accessibility of medical services is not only a healthcare priority—it is also an economic one.
Sources / Scientific References:
- Fraser Institute. The Private Cost of Public Queues 2023.
- Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Access to Care in Canada.
- Canadian Medical Association. News and Research.