The Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, wants not only to force new doctors to work in the public network at the end of their studies, but also to put an end to the expansion of the private health network in Quebec.
• Also read: Private health: the College of Physicians calls for more rigorous supervision
• Also read: Quebec wants to force new doctors trained in the province to practice in the public after their studies
This is what he said in an interview with Hi Hello Monday morning.
Earlier in the morning, the president of the College of Physicians, Dr Mauril Gaudreault indicated in an interview that he wanted an end to public funding for the private network.
“Supporting studies demonstrate that private financing of health services does not improve access nor does it reduce costs,” he said.
“So, it is after having also discussed with experts in the field, analyzed the studies in question that the College of Physicians decided to take this position to alert, challenge political decision-makers and that we all look together at how we could better regulate the private sector.”
Asked to comment, the Minister of Health said he agreed with the end of the expansion of the private sector in the health network.
“I hope so,” he says. I tell you, I really have that will.”
However, Mr. Dubé indicates that he needs, for the moment, the private sector.
“We are in a period of transition at the moment,” he said. I need as many people as possible who can help. My key word is to regulate the private sector, but strengthen the public sector.”
«[Arrêter de développer le privé]I agree with that, he adds. But right now, when I have 160,000 surgeries waiting, I have some that are more than a year old… I have no choice until my nurses come back.
Force new doctors to practice in the public
TVA Nouvelles also revealed on Sunday the Minister of Health’s intention to force doctors to practice their profession in the public network when they leave school.
“I think there is a certain consensus among the population that we must take all necessary measures to improve access to a doctor, to a health professional,” he maintains.
“I think that what is logical towards Quebecers is to say that we pay for this training, which is very important, but let us also ensure that you will be there when it is time to deliver the training,” he continues.
The bill to this effect will be tabled before the end of the current parliamentary session.
“We will never have time to discuss it [avant la fin de la session]so we file, says Mr. Dubé. People will talk about it, like we are doing today. Then when we return to the parliamentary committee, at the end of January or beginning of February, we will have plenty of time, this spring, to have this discussion.”
Watch the full interview in the video above.
