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North Okanagan patients could soon lose critical coverage for eye injections
The ministry says it does not plan to extend coverage beyond Nov. 13, leaving about 1,400 patients at risk of losing treatment.
- Vernon physician Dr. Hussein Hollands warns that elderly patients face losing coverage for sight-saving eye injections after Nov 13, as his departure from the provincially funded PRDTP program forces patients to choose between paying out-of-pocket or traveling for care.
- Serving the North Okanagan for 14 years, Hollands gave notice of his exit six months ago, citing an unsustainable compensation model and seeking a return to standard fee-for-service compensation used by most British Columbia doctors.
- Representing 1,400 patients, Hollands warns some could lose their vision without treatment costing up to $600 per eye; his petition with more than 850 signatures urges the provincial government to adjust the coverage model.
- MLA-Elect Kevin Acton is pushing for an extension while negotiations remain at a 'standstill,' though the Ministry of Health stated it does not intend to extend coverage beyond Nov 13, citing program requirements.
- Patients face a critical deadline in two weeks, forced to choose between onerous travel or exorbitant costs reaching $14,500 annually; without a resolution, Hollands fears many elderly residents in rural communities will lose vision.
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left12Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
L 100%
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