The IWK Foundation is urging the Canadian government to establish a dedicated national position focusing on women’s health. Jennifer Gillivan, the foundation’s president and CEO, highlighted the absence of a comprehensive national women’s health strategy since 1999, positioning Canada at a significant disadvantage globally. Emphasizing the moral and economic imperatives, Gillivan stated that it is imperative to prioritize women’s health moving forward.
The foundation, which provides support to the IWK Hospital in Halifax catering to women and children in the Maritimes, recently conducted a survey targeting women in the region. The survey received an overwhelming response of 27,000 submissions, far exceeding the initial expectation of 2,000 responses. Gillivan noted that the current healthcare system is biased towards men, assuming a male-centric standard that neglects the unique health needs of women.
In response to the survey findings, the foundation released two reports, the latest of which was developed in collaboration with Deloitte. The reports advocate for the establishment of a national women’s health chair, the development of a renewed national strategy, and a decade-long investment in addressing women’s health issues. Gillivan highlighted the stark discrepancy in health research allocation, with only seven percent dedicated to women’s health in Canada.
Women’s health extends beyond reproductive matters, encompassing areas such as brain health, cancer, and heart disease. Gillivan stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing these broader health concerns affecting women. While the Canadian government has invested over $320 million in new research projects related to women’s health in the last five years, Gillivan argued that more comprehensive measures are needed to adequately support women’s health.
Gillivan called for a collaborative approach involving researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the technology industry to advance women’s health initiatives. The push for a national strategy stems from the urgent need expressed by women seeking enhanced support in healthcare services.