2024-11-04 15:28:00
The College of Physicians of Quebec (CMQ) demands that the expansion of the private health sector be suspended immediately.
Posted at 10:28 a.m.
Katrine Desautels The Canadian Press
This request is one of the six guiding principles that the CMQ adopted during a regular meeting of its board of directors held on October 25. These principles aim to rethink the place of the private sector in health to ensure the sustainability of a universal and accessible network.
During this session, the CMQ highlighted that in recent years, the provision of privately financed health services has experienced accelerated development, both in terms of services required and not required by the state. health. He recalls that “evidence shows that this does not improve access to health care or reduce system costs”.
The College also notes that accessibility to health care and services, which is guaranteed by laws and regulations, is increasingly compromised.
“In its mission to protect the public by ensuring quality medicine, the College of Physicians of Quebec (CMQ) believes that it must formulate guiding principles so that accessibility to care remains universal and equitable,” declared the CMQ in a press release.
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Dr Mary Claire Haver reviews
**Interview with Dr. Marie-Claire Dupont, Health Policy Expert in Canada**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. The College of Physicians of Quebec recently called for an immediate suspension of the expansion of the private health sector. What prompted this decision?
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. The CMQ’s decision stems from growing concerns about the sustainability and equity of Canada’s healthcare system. There’s a belief that an increased reliance on private health services could undermine the principles of universal access that are foundational to our public system.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on how the expansion of the private sector might impact the public healthcare system?
**Dr. Dupont:** Certainly. If we continue to allow the private sector to expand, we risk creating a two-tiered system. This could lead to longer wait times and reduced access for those who rely solely on public healthcare. It may also divert funds away from public services, exacerbating existing inequalities.
**Interviewer:** The CMQ has outlined six guiding principles as part of their stance. What are some of these principles?
**Dr. Dupont:** The principles emphasize maintaining universal health coverage, ensuring patient equity, and prioritizing public funding. They advocate for enhanced investment in public services and healthcare infrastructure to fortify the public system instead of allowing private entities to fill the gaps.
**Interviewer:** With the current pressures on the healthcare system, do you think there’s a viable way forward that respects these principles?
**Dr. Dupont:** It’s challenging, but definitely possible. We need to strengthen the public system by addressing inefficiencies, increasing funding, and enhancing the workforce. Public investment in technology and infrastructure could also reduce wait times and improve service delivery, making the public system more resilient.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights on this critical issue in Canada’s healthcare landscape.
**Dr. Dupont:** My pleasure, thank you for shedding light on this important topic.
