The participants in B.C.'s first regional health forum over the weekend had a clear message for the provincial government: maintain the universally funded public health-care system.

Almost all the discussion groups at the Conversation on Health meeting in Kamloops concluded their discussions by indicating their strong support for continued public health care, with little support voiced for privatization or user fees.

'It seems to me like it's a $10-million public relations exercise for trying to privatize our public health care'—Kamloops businessman Kenneth Berry

"What we came up with was universally public funded is the cornerstone of health care," said one group spokesperson.

Another participant, occupational therapist Toby Wendland, said he was amazed how many people were absolutely against privatization.

"My worry was that there was going to be a whole room full of people spewing stuff about how the system is broken. Well, most people are saying the system is a good system. It's sustainable."

Others, including Kamloops businessman Kenneth Berry, worry that the government has already made up its mind on the issue.

"It all depends on what the politicians want to do with it, and I doubt like heck whether they're going to want to follow through on it," said Berry.

"It seems to me like it's a $10-million public relations exercise for trying to privatize our public health care in British Columbia."

Protesters outside the hotel, had the same point of view, accusing the government of planning to shift more services to the private sector.

'I don't think there's one right perspective in relation to health care'—B.C. Health Minister George Abbott

But B.C. Health Minister George Abbott told reporters he's not going to prejudge the outcome of the conversation on health.

"I don't think that there's one right perspective in relation to health care. I think there are lots of legitimate perspectives. And I think that there's wisdom that can come from the left, right and centre and we look forward to all that. There's nothing preset or preconditioned about this."
 
Abbott also said the private sector may have a bigger role to play in the future, but cautioned that it's not a panacea for the challenges facing the public health-care system.

The 100 people who took part in the Kamloops session were chosen at random from a group of 220 applicants.

The second of the 16 regional forums is in Surrey next Saturday.