DATE

Dear Minister,

I am a patient of a naturopathic physician. My ND is providing me with primary health care. Part of my medical assessment includes the ordering of blood tests. Unfortunately, my ND has to order blood work from outside of BC. My ND cannot access privately owned and publicly funded medical labs even if I pay in full for my laboratory tests.

My ND informs me that the medical laboratories in BC have been instructed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons not to accept any lab work from NDs. What right does the CPSBC have to decide which licensed health professionals have access to medical labs? As a taxpayer who contributes to a universal health care system in Canada I feel that my lab work through a ND should be covered by the government. In fact, my ND tells me there is enough surplus in the naturopathic medical account to more than cover lab work from this profession!

It is my constitutional right to choose a licenced primary health care professional. Actions taken by the College of Physicians infringe upon these rights, cost me double in health care dollars, and leave me without access to full primary care diagnosis through the doctor of my choice. It seems that this government does not care about my constitutional rights.

I would like to know your government's official position on this matter. I request a personal response.

Sincerely,