News

It's being called a defining case in the history of Canadian health care.

Four plaintiffs have now joined a constitutional challenge of BC's health laws.

The challenge, launched by Doctor Brian Day of the Cambie Surgical Centre, was started after a recent audit revealed the private clinic was billing for services normally covered by Medicare.

Now four people, including two young people, have joined onto the suit.

Doctor Day says it's not acceptable patients are suffering while they wait for necessary care.

"In a free and democratic society, patients should not have to sue for access. We reject assertions that is somehow unethical or immoral, to use one's own funds to care for one's health."

Day says he expects the case to go all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, and for the province to seek an injunction against the private clinic accepting  new patients.

Health Minister Mike de Jong is said to be on holidays, and won't be commenting on the challenge from the private clinic.

But the Health Ministry has issued a statement, saying the entire health care system provides appropriate care as quickly as possible.

The statement says more than half of all surgeries in BC never appear on a waitlist.

The statement goes on to say the Medical Services Commission found evidence of extra billing at the private clinic, and that's prohibited by the Medicare Protection Act.