Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has officially announced her government’s proposal to permit doctors to practice in both the public and private healthcare sectors simultaneously. The initiative, known as the “Dual Practice Surgery Model,” aims to alleviate wait times by increasing the capacity for surgeries.
While the focus of the plan is on surgeries, Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Matt Jones stated that the legislation could also extend to family physicians. Smith highlighted that over 80,000 Albertans are currently on waitlists for elective surgeries such as hip or knee replacements.
Under the proposed changes, surgeons and other supporting professionals would still be required to conduct a specified number of publicly funded surgeries each year. However, they would have the option to perform additional elective procedures privately during their off hours or weekends, according to Smith.
The Premier emphasized that this approach would prioritize individuals on the public waitlist, enabling them to receive their publicly insured surgeries more promptly. Additionally, Smith believes that this policy shift could aid in retaining Alberta’s doctors and attracting those who may have left the province for better opportunities elsewhere.
Smith reassured the public that the government remains committed to ensuring that Albertans will not have to incur out-of-pocket expenses to consult their family doctors or receive essential medical care. She cited examples of other countries like Sweden, Germany, and Australia that have successfully implemented a dual-model healthcare system.
Minister Jones noted that the proposed changes aim to provide more flexibility for doctors interested in participating in both healthcare systems. The current process for doctors to transition between public and private systems was described as challenging.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has urged the Alberta government to reconsider the dual practice concept. The CMA expressed concerns that patients may face prolonged wait times and potentially incur additional costs for healthcare services.
Responding to the speculation surrounding the new healthcare model, the Alberta Medical Association emphasized the importance of evidence-based reforms and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. They emphasized the need to ensure that any changes do not have a negative impact on the public healthcare system.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding it as a step towards international standards. However, critics warn that it may conflict with the Canada Health Act, which prohibits charging for already publicly insured services. Dr. Paul Parks and Jason Sutherland raised concerns about the potential legal implications and consequences of breaching the Act.