The general Canadian background for health services and the evolution of social insurance programs for health services are described in this paper, with special emphasis on the universal federal–provincial Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Program and the Medical Care Insurance Program. Other important Canadian health services developments are also outlined. Social insurance programs for health services are discussed in terms of financing and costs, manpower and facilities, and planning and organization. The impact of these programs on governments, the health professions, and the public is also given. New approaches, concepts, issues, and problems in providing health services in Canada are described. It may be seen that Canadian health services have undergone rapid and extensive change and growth in the last two decades. The process is still under way and the ultimate patterns of both social insurance for health services and health services delivery are not yet settled.
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