The main axes of the Dubé health reform were made public this week. We promised big changes, we propose a revolution. Everything seems to be on the table, even the sacrosanct principle of seniority.
It is nevertheless a reform of structure and governance. Although it is far from the daily life of the patient who is desperately looking for a doctor who can treat and monitor him, it makes it possible to build a system on sound foundations, making it possible to develop a fashionable word, “agility”.
Handcuffs
Because at the end of the day, what the minister is looking for by carrying out this huge project is to get rid of the layers of handcuffs that have been immobilizing him for decades. Having almost no leeway, particularly because of the multitude of stakeholders with different interests and agreements, conventions, rules, etc., the government wants to give itself the ability to decide, choose and adapt. That’s good, because all things considered, we want the government to be able to make decisions so that we can judge it on that when the election comes.
As gigantic as it is, this reform is only a first step in the plan to rebuild a reliable and solid health system. The new governance will give us solid foundations, but it will be necessary to build the walls, the windows and the roof so that the house becomes habitable.
Long list
We should talk regarding quality of care, training of health professionals, integrated and innovative approaches to health, interdisciplinarity, computerization, customer service, remote or home care. The list is long, very long.
Before the patient can see the difference in his daily life, it may take several years. Will the government have the courage to go all the way and deliver us a solid and reliable house, capable of facing all bad weather?
