The rise of private medicine in Quebec, which is constantly growing, is a source of concern for many Quebecers, including myself. Even if we still talk about a universal and free health care system, in reality, accessibility to health services for all is no longer universal, but reserved for a minority of citizens who can afford such care.
The health file is complex and many factors have led to the current situation. Our health system has become what it is following a series of decisions. Doctors’ salaries have reached levels well above the ability of Quebec society to pay. Corporatism has served doctors well, as well as health ministers who are themselves doctors. Health governance has been in conflict of interest in Quebec.
However, this state of affairs is not a reason to allow the private sector to continue to develop as it is doing. Health should not be a ” business “paying” in Quebec. This development must be curbed as quickly as possible.
Ethically, it is unacceptable that doctors, trained in the public sector, paying minimal tuition fees, then choose the private sector for their medical practice. Double standards. Doctors are beholden to the system.
I invite the elected members of the National Assembly to take up this issue and introduce a bill to better regulate the practice of private medicine in Quebec, including, of course, the excessive fees paid by the state and citizens. At the very least, the value of medical practice should be the same in the private and public sectors.
Such a bill deserves to be adopted by the National Assembly so that we can give ourselves the best possible chance of maintaining, and even strengthening, a universal health system.
Hoping that you will hear my appeal and take it to the authorities for the benefit of all Quebecers.