Press release

FMSQ reacts favourably to Couillard announcement

Montreal, February 16, 2006 – Shorter waiting lists and guaranteed patient access to care has always been a priority for the Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (the FMSQ), which is in favour of the Charest government's response to the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in Chaoulli-Zeliotis. The FMSQ is convinced that the health care system must remain public to a very large extent, with private services being available in certain cases to reinforce the government system.

"The proposals we made to the Arpin, Clair and Romanow Commissions have finally been heard and followed: the creation of affiliated specialist clinics or offices will make for shorter waiting lists," stated Dr. Yves Dugré, President of the FMSQ. It is eminently clear to the Federation that specialists must be able to perform more operations to meet the demand, whether in hospitals or in the new affiliated clinics. The FMSQ also welcomes the fact that professional autonomy is preserved with regard to medical specialists' choice of a strictly public or strictly private practice.

The FMSQ sounds a warning, however, concerning the clearly inadequate amount allocated to these projects. The $20 million planned will certainly cut patient waiting lists for cataract, knee or hip surgery, but what about non-standardized, less publicized waiting lists in other medical disciplines?

"It is important for all waiting lists to be well-managed and, to achieve this, we must have the active support of medical and surgical specialist associations in order to develop waiting list standards based on specific criteria," said Dr. Dugré.

"It should be remembered that we are short of 1,000 medical specialists in Quebec. However, those who are here are ready to do even more if they are given the opportunity. This must be recognized in the current negotiations between the Government of Quebec and the FMSQ".

The Federation of Medical Specialists intends to play an active role in the Parliamentary Commission debate on health system funding, to begin in early April.

The Federation of Medical Specialists numbers more than 8,000 members in Quebec, representing 34 associations. The sole agency recognized by government to negotiate collective agreements on behalf of medical specialists, the FMSQ is also consulted on every aspect of the organization of medical care in Quebec.

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