Dear Editor:

The B.C. medical system has a serious flaw when it comes to surgery wait times and this needs to be corrected.
As an example, I recently required surgery for a so-called “elective” surgery problem.
I was placed on a four- -to-six-month waiting list for what doctors insisted was a non life-threatening problem.
However, the problem was painful enough to adversely affect sleep and enjoyment of daily life.
My choice was to accept a continued deterioration of health or seek surgery in the United States, which everyone knows includes the patient paying the costs.
There are so many of us who can’t afford a self-pay solution.
All residents of British Columbia have a right to timely medical treatment. If you agree with what I have written in this letter, please write, email or fax your MLA, health minister and/or provincial minister.
If we remain silent, the “system” and persons of authority will assume we are satisfied with the status quo and that’s not what should be taking place.

Roger Parker
Osoyoos, B.C.