A recent survey reveals that over half of Quebec residents did not visit a doctor in the past year, highlighting significant healthcare access issues. The College of Physicians reports that 54% avoided consultations, with many struggling to secure appointments. Consequently, 26% have turned to private clinics, marking a notable increase from previous years. In response, the College is reviewing regulations on private healthcare, while Health Minister Christian Dubé promises upcoming amendments to enhance clinic operations.
Healthcare Access Challenges in Quebec
A recent survey highlights that over half of the residents in Quebec have chosen not to consult a physician in the last year, as reported by the College of Physicians. This revelation raises significant concerns regarding healthcare accessibility in the province.
The survey, conducted by the research firm SOM, aimed to gauge both public sentiment and the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding access to medical services. Alarmingly, 54% of Quebecers admitted to avoiding doctor visits within the past twelve months, while one-third of those surveyed struggled to secure a medical appointment.
“Both the public and medical professionals share a grim outlook on healthcare access,” the College noted. “An overwhelming majority of respondents — 81% of the public and 82% of physicians — find it challenging to obtain a medical consultation without a prior appointment.”
Shifting Towards Private Healthcare Options
This ongoing issue has prompted 26% of respondents to seek care from private clinics. In a stark comparison, only 14% of participants in a similar survey conducted in 2022 reported paying for their last medical consultation. The latest findings indicate a growing trend of individuals turning to the private sector for medical treatment, which the College of Physicians has expressed concern over.
In response to these findings, the College of Physicians organized a webinar to explore the implications of private healthcare in Quebec. Last fall, the professional body surprised many by proposing a ban on physicians leaving the public healthcare system, while allowing exceptions for those who already made the transition. This proposal was part of Bill 83, which includes a requirement for new physicians to serve a five-year term in public institutions.
Health Minister Christian Dubé reiterated his commitment to better regulating private clinic operations, indicating that amendments to address these issues would be forthcoming. “We will enhance the proposals beyond what was outlined in Bill 83,” Mr. Dubé mentioned during the webinar.
While specific measures were not disclosed, various strategies were discussed during the Bill 83 review. Suggestions included restricting the number of annual transitions between public and private sectors and potentially imposing limits on fees to discourage the allure of private clinics.
The SOM survey, which included 1,031 Quebec adults and was conducted online between February 28 and March 10, 2025, aimed to accurately reflect the demographic landscape, with a maximum margin of error of 3.6%.