Minister Sonia Bélanger is demanding explanations from the College of Physicians regarding the increase in the number of requests for medical assistance in dying last year. She asks him to intervene with the professionals who administered end-of-life care to 16 people who did not meet “all the criteria of the law”.
The Commission on End-of-Life Care released its most recent report on Thursday on the administration of assisted dying in Quebec. We learn that the number of people who used it in 2022-2023 increased by 42% compared to the previous year.
“We know that there is a great openness in Quebec regarding this,” agreed the Minister for Health and Seniors on Thursday, after tabling the report in the House. “However, I want to understand the reasons why in Quebec there are more requests. »
In its report, the commission also notes that 16 requests for medical assistance in dying (AMM) were made last year by people who did not comply with the law.
“Among the marketing authorizations deemed non-compliant […]we observe […] an increase in the number for whom there was an absence of serious and incurable illness according to the judgment of the Commission,” we write. “Although this number is minimal, it requires increased vigilance. »
Sonia Bélanger asks the College of Physicians to explain. “I expect the College of Physicians to make the necessary interventions and follow-ups with the doctors concerned,” she said Thursday.
Further details will follow.
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