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Family Doctors Could Reduce ER Visits by 15% in Canada, Report Finds

A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveals that 15% of emergency room visits in Canada could be managed by family doctors. The report, covering data from April 2023 to March 2024, highlights the significant role primary care could play in alleviating the pressure on emergency departments. The findings indicate that many Canadians, especially those without regular access to a family doctor, turn to emergency departments for conditions that could be managed in primary care. This includes common ailments such as colds, sore throats, and ear infections. The report also suggests that over half of these visits could be managed virtually, pointing to the potential benefits of telemedicine. Dr. Sunita Karmakar-Hore, CIHI’s manager of health system performance reporting, emphasized the need for improved access to primary and virtual care. "When access to a regular care provider is challenging, people often turn to emergency departments to receive the ca...

Israel Explores New Governance Options for Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict


Israel is currently exploring the possibility of establishing an alternative local governing body for Gaza, according to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The goal is to move beyond Hamas, but the specifics of who might replace them remain uncertain. This initiative comes amid new uncertainty in the ongoing eight-month war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from various quarters, including calls to accept a new cease-fire deal proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, far-right allies threaten to destabilize his government if he agrees to the deal. Gallant, a member of Israel’s three-member War Cabinet, has advocated for a detailed postwar plan for Gaza. He stated that the framework for this alternative governance involves isolating certain areas, removing Hamas operatives, and introducing other forces that could facilitate the formation of a new governing body.

In a related development, Israel is seeking Palestinians who are not affiliated with Hamas to manage civilian affairs in planned “humanitarian pockets” within the Gaza Strip. These pockets are designed as testing grounds for postwar administration of the enclave. While the situation remains complex and fluid, efforts to find alternatives to Hamas continue as the conflict persists.


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