The Alberta Government introduced a legislative proposal that allows doctors to work both publicly and privately. The idea behind this move is to trim the long waiting times for surgeries and other treatments in the public health system.
The current health system could only do a little as it can’t afford extra operating time. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said this proposed legislation will add a layer of flexibility for doctors and curtail prolonged waiting for patient surgeries.
To prevent high taxes or healthcare fees in Alberta from surging, the legislation proposal says that surgeons need to commit to a minimum number of publicly funded surgeries yearly. Only then will they be allowed to do private elective procedures, for which patients pay from their pockets or via private insurance plans.
On Tuesday, Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Care, addressed the media on the new medical legislation. “I am always looking for opportunities”. Adriana said that she’s always on a quest for opportunities, and certain specifics can’t be revealed until the bill enters the house. She further added that she’ll ensure Albertans get what they truly deserve in terms of support and resources.
“Danielle Smith took to Twitter and wrote: “Alberta’s government is modernizing physician participation rules to give doctors flexibility to work in both the public health care system and private settings. This Dual Practice Model will increase the number of surgeries being done in Alberta, decrease wait times, and ensure that Albertans get the care they need in a timely manner.”
She also added, “We stand by our Public Health Care Guarantee. No Albertan will need to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or receive a medically necessary treatment.”
Hearing this news, the Alberta community exhibited mixed reactions. Some Alberta netizens said this would adversely impact the health-care system and increase waiting time for patients to get their treatment.
Taking to Reddit, a user named @Hfxfungye wrote that the wealthy Albertans are least affected or shocked by this news, instead only benefiting through tax cuts. “Now taxes go down, and wealthy people don’t have to worry if publicly funded healthcare is any good. If it becomes worse, that doesn’t matter, since wealthy people won’t be affected. It’s more like the USA. Poor and regular people need to pay more but aren’t getting the services they used to, but the wealthy people will get much better services because they can afford to pay more,” the user says.
Another Reddit user named @ObviouslyOtter wrote: “The UK did exactly this a decade ago, and it ruined their healthcare system. Their conservatives introduced a dual system just like what the UCP is suggesting for the same reasons: lack of doctors, wait times, etc. 10ish years, later, most UK doctors spend as much time as possible in private practice, and the public system is starved of both doctors and money.”
A Twitter user, a Calgary resident and a Kidney doctor, Braden Manns, tweeted: “Another bad idea that will only benefit physicians’ pocketbooks and those able to pay. Dual physician practice does not offload the public system – it increases wait times in the public system. AB plans to allow doctors to deliver public and private services.”
Another Twitter user and Edmonton & Alberta Resident and Journalist, Sean Amato, tweeted: “Alberta will allow doctors to work in both private & public systems, according to leaked legislation obtained by the Globe and Mail. As Sean Amato reports, there are concerns that will violate health law & the NDP is now calling for an election.”
Article written by: FRSC Staff
This content is solely for educational and informational purposes only. All the opinions and author’s views reflect professional expertise. Freedom Respiratory Sleep Center is not liable for outcomes based on this information. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. © Freedom Respiratory Sleep Center. All rights reserved.