Nova Scotia looks for more doctors, nurses willing to offer virtual health care
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But NDP Leader Claudia Chender says she's worried the people frustrated by not being able to book a virtual appointment may pay to get one.
The Nova Scotia government is using an online platform owned by a private company, Maple Virtual Care. Of the $6.25 million the province is paying for virtual care, $2 million is going to the company for the use of its platform. Virtual Care Nova Scotia is staffed by Nova Scotia Health employees
Chender says people who cannot get a free government appointment are just a few computer clicks away from accessing Maple's for-profit platform which boasts users can "see a doctor in minutes."
"You know, you can either get it for free through the Nova Scotia government in theory, although most people can't actually access it, or you can pay Maple," said Chender. "And you know, when we talk about privatization, this isn't an abstract conversation.
"If someone needs to see a doctor, they need to see a doctor. And if they have $20, they're going to pay, and if they don't have $20, they're not going to see a doctor."
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