December 8, 2014 (Ottawa, ON) – HealthCareCAN was pleased to appear before the Advisory Panel on Healthcare Innovation today. The focus by this government on health research and innovation, as demonstrated by the formation of this panel, as well as, the recent publication of the report on moving science, technology and innovation forward, is welcomed.
“Among the recommendations that HealthCareCAN brought to the Panel is the creation of a Canadian Health Innovation Network” said Bill Tholl, President and CEO. “This would allow for coordination across existing priorities and resources in the health and life sciences while incenting sufficient funding for all pillars of health research. We look forward to showcasing how our members bring new knowledge to practice beginning with discovery science and resulting in health and prosperity for generations to come.”
HealthCareCAN’s brief, From Invention by Accident to Innovation by Design: Collaborating to Improve Health and Compete Globally, outlines the need for national health innovation structures and processes. In addition, it demonstrates the commitment of leading healthcare organizations to nation-building, the health of Canadians, and economic prosperity. Read the report at: www.healthcarecan.ca.
HealthCareCAN also commends the retention of the health and life sciences as a key area of focus in the federal government’s report, Seizing Canada’s Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation 2014, and the addition of the innovation pillar to the knowledge and people pillars. It demonstrates that this Government appreciates the balance between sufficient focus on discovery research and the requisites for moving knowledge into products and practice.
Moving forward, HealthCareCAN is hoping for the inclusion of additional investment in health research and innovation, which is still needed to bring the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s dual mandate, the creation of new knowledge and its translation, to reality. A Canadian Healthcare Innovation Fund could provide funding for strategic and signature initiatives, while repatriating funding for outstanding scientists, students, and ideas in Canada. It would supplement the important Canada First Research Excellence fund targeted to post-secondary institutions.
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare. We act with others to enhance the health of the people of Canada; to build the capability for high quality care; and to help ensure value for money in publicly financed, healthcare programs.
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For further information and/or to arrange an interview, contact:
Ms. Teresa Neuman, Senior Communications Specialist
Tel.: (613) 241-8005, Extension 205; Mobile: (613) 282-6003;
E-mail: tneuman@healthcarecan.ca