A Université Laval study found the risk of dying from a stroke is approximately 25% higher for patients treated in rural areas across the country because many rural hospitals lack resources and access to healthcare. The study found only 11% of rural hospitals had diagnostic equipment such as a CT scanner, one percent had MRI machines, 21% had an intensive care unit (ICU), 94% had a laboratory and 92% had basic X-ray facilities. The study’s author says the results raise questions about universal healthcare for the 20% of Canadians who live in rural settings. Many physicians, hospitals and communities across the country are advocating to restore services to rural areas.
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NBHC Population Health