Calgary Walk In Clinics Provide Affordable Basic Health Care

By Jordan Schmidt


Few things are as stressful as when medical attention is urgently needed but the money needed for the treatment simply is not available. This is the situation millions of people find themselves in. Medical insurance and cash will pay for treatment at the best facilities and by the very best doctors, but few can afford this. Calgary walk in clinics are often a godsend for such people. They can get treatment.

This type of medical facility is very broadly defined. In some cases there are small facilities inside super markets. These are normally staffed by nursing personnel. Other facilities focus on emergencies and trauma. Yet others are operated by charities. There are also a number of community health services. Prices differ wildly, often depending upon the type of staffing they enjoy. Some are free of charge, however.

A lot of people think that all these facilities offer emergency treatment. This is definitely not the case. Many do, but many others offer limited services and are not equipped to deal with trauma and emergencies. The majority of facilities do not even employ a doctor. Those without health care benefits should familiarize themselves with the free and affordable facilities in their area.

The main advantage of these facilities is the fact that they are either free or very affordable. There are approximately eleven thousand such services country wide. Patients do not need an appointment. They can simply present themselves and services are very seldom refused. In most cases patients are seen on a first come first served basis. Of course, true emergencies will always receive preferential treatment.

There are drawbacks. Most of these medical facilities deal with large numbers. This means that queues can be long and waiting times can be exhausting. The attending staff does not have a lot of time for each individual patients because they have too many patients to see. Most facilities can only offer limited treatment options and sometimes patients simply cannot be helped.

Critics say that these facilities are inadequate and that they simply prove the fact that adequate health care for all is a fallacy. They also complain that very few of these facilities are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and that they often carry only a very limited range of medication. In many cases patients are treated by staff that are not properly trained.

Many doctors have also criticised these clinics. They say that it is not possible to provide adequate long term health care if there is not a relationship between the doctor and the patient. The result is that patients are often given very basic treatment for a seemingly small problem that may actually be indicative of a much more serious condition.

Nobody will argue the fact that proper health care for all should be a national priority. At present, the poor and needy simply have to make do with what is on offer. Ideally, every citizen should be able to depend upon quality care when they need it. In the meantime, affordable and free medical facilities fulfil a very urgent need.




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