In her role as a family physician, Hiromi Tissera emphasizes a compassionate approach to patient care, which she believes will be challenging under the Quebec government’s recent health reforms, known as Bill 2. According to Tissera, the reforms’ focus on meeting specific targets could penalize doctors for spending extra time with patients, impacting the quality of care. She emphasizes the importance of taking the time to connect with patients on a personal level to address their needs effectively.
Premier François Legault has defended the reforms, stating they aim to benefit the 1.5 million Quebec residents without a family doctor by introducing collective performance targets that tie part of doctors’ pay to these objectives. However, many doctors have expressed discontent over the changes, with some considering leaving the province in response to the reforms.
District Medical, a prominent family medicine clinic in Montreal, has witnessed the departure of nine family physicians since the government introduced the health reform legislation. Dr. Georges Zaarour, the medical director, noted that while not all departures were directly linked to the reforms, the uncertainty surrounding the changes has contributed to the clinic’s challenges.
The reforms under Bill 2 have sparked concerns among physicians at various GMFs in Montreal, with some clinics warning of potential closures if the changes are implemented as planned. The strict targets set by the government could significantly increase the workload for doctors, potentially compromising the quality of care they provide.
Despite the government’s assurances that the reforms are aimed at improving access to healthcare by aligning services with patients’ clinical needs, many healthcare professionals remain skeptical about the impact of the changes. The new vulnerability classification system could pose challenges for early detection and preventive care, particularly for pediatric patients.
The ongoing dispute over the reforms has left both healthcare professionals and patients feeling unsettled. While the government emphasizes the intention to enhance healthcare access for all Quebec residents, concerns persist about the implications of the new system on the quality of care and preventive medicine practices.