Government of Canada : Minister Philpott to take part in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development Health Policy Forum and Health Ministerial Meeting

January 13, 2017 - Ottawa, Health Canada

Countries around the world are facing many shared health care challenges, such as demographic changes and the accompanying rise in chronic disease, the need to effectively manage new technologies, and the urgency of tackling global threats, all within the context of economic pressures. Canada is no exception.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, Canada's Minister of Health, will take part in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Health Policy Forum and Health Ministerial meeting next week in Paris, France.

The OECD Health Policy Forum on the Future of Health, to be held on January 16, will bring together ministers of health, senior policy makers, health system experts, and stakeholders to discuss how health systems can support patient-centred care. The meeting will also explore ways to use digital technologies and emerging innovations in new models of care that are more responsive to patient needs and preferences and that help address complex global health issues. During the Forum, Minister Philpott will participate in a panel with ministers of health from other countries to discuss the policies decision-makers can and should implement to make health systems more patient-centred.

On January 17, health ministers from more than 35 countries will meet to discuss The Next Generation of Health Reforms. During the Health Ministerial, ministers will share experiences in addressing ineffective health spending and waste, adapting health systems to new technologies in a sustainable way, modernizing the roles of health professionals, as well as using Big Data in health care. Ministers will also identify the OECD Health Committee's future priorities.

While at the OECD, Minister Philpott will take the opportunity to discuss ‎health issues of shared interest with her colleagues, including antimicrobial resistance, plain packaging of tobacco products, childhood obesity, food labelling, Indigenous health and health reforms.

Quotes

'While various countries may operate their health systems differently, we often share many of the same challenges and opportunities. The OECD Health Policy Forum and Health Ministerial Meeting offer important opportunities to collaborate with like-minded countries and organizations to find ways to better support the health of our populations and improve health care both at home and abroad.'

The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

Associated Links
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Policy Forum and Health Ministers Meeting

Contacts

Andrew MacKendrick
Office of Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada
[phone]