Press release

Task Force on Financing the Health System: Comprehensive Findings, Balanced Approach says FMSQ

Montreal, February 19, 2008 – Reacting to the report released by the Task Force on Financing the Health System, chaired by Mr. Claude Castonguay, the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) considers that the report takes a realistic view of the issues confronting the Quebec health system.  “The report’s primary value lies in the fact that it greatly heightens Quebecers’ awareness of the problems of financing the public health system and the urgent need for all of us to take action if we are to keep it,” said Dr. Barrette.

The FMSQ noted that the fiscal impact set out in the document is accurate and the resulting recommendations are well-thought out and conservative in nature. “Despite wide expectations, the report does not advocate a full, unrestrained move towards private health care.  On the contrary, it confirms and emphasizes the fact that our health system should to a very great extent remain public,” said the Federation’s President.

Dr. Barrette warned that “we should avoid thinking that the Castonguay recommendations represent nothing more than an additional burden for tax payers.  The system costs too much, and costs are rising too fast.  We must remember, when looking at all the scenarios to solve the system’s financing problems, that it is tax payers’ money that maintains the public health system.  To think otherwise is to hide our heads in the sand”.

In this context, if Quebec does decide to follow the financing approach set out in the report, the FMSQ considers that the measures suggested are appropriate and that they are to be introduced in a coherent manner. The FMSQ agrees with the creation of a health stabilization fund and a health account that would serve to enhance transparency in the management of public funds.  As far as specialized medicine is concerned, the Federation also agrees with the recommendation of permitting mixed practice within prescribed parameters and provided agreement can be reached with the various establishments.
Upon reading the summary of the report, the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec is somewhat reticent about some of the recommendations.  While it agrees with the principle of governance that holds that the health system is founded on the rights and obligations of all those involved (including physicians), the FMSQ considers that this does not mean that physicians’ complete autonomy should create an obstacle in this regard. Governance must not infringe upon their independence and professional practice.  In addition, while recognizing that a rapid solution to operating problems must be found, the FMSQ nonetheless believes that computerized health records should be introduced throughout Quebec as rapidly as possible, and not simply as part of a pilot project as suggested in the report.

The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec numbers more than 8,000 members in Quebec, representing 35 medical specialties. The sole organization recognized by government with respect to negotiating medical specialists' collective agreements, the FMSQ is also consulted on all aspects of the organization of medical care in Quebec.

-30-