A private medical clinic run by Que.-based Algomed has set up in Dartmouth, N.S. and already has over 200 patients. Some believe the clinic can ease the burden on the province's overwhelmed public health system but the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) warns having to staff a private system might only add to the problem and could result in some people getting better care than others. CMA president Dr. Katharine Smart says if Canadians want equity in accessing the healthcare system, it needs more resources and investments. To ease the strain on the system, Dr. Smart also suggests:
- Streamlining the process for health professionals who immigrate to Canada as the credentialing process is slow and expensive; and
- Moving to a national physician license, which could leverage virtual care to serve people in remote areas where health professionals are lacking.
The first step, she suggests, is to get the government on the same page as healthcare professionals. Doctors Nova Scotia agrees moving to a two-tiered health system would take healthcare professionals out of the public sector and create further inequities for lower-income patients. For its part, Algomed’s planning to open more locations in the Maritimes and sees a great need for access to primary care in the region.
Related:
Ontario Health wants public-private integration as hospitals struggle with staffing - Global News
Canadian seniors struggle to find family doctors amid physicians shortage, some seeking private support - The Globe and Mail (sub. req.)
Saskatchewan Health Authority issues proposal for 3rd-party surgical provider - Government of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan to send patients to Alberta for privatized surgery; won't pay for travel - CTV News