Press release

The FMSQ Wants Eye Care Commitments

Montreal, March 18, 2009 – Following the Minister of Health and Social Services’ decision to turn down the creation of two proposed ophthalmology Associated Specialized Medical Centres (A-SMC), the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (the FMSQ) is wondering how the Minister plans to alleviate the difficulties being experienced with regard to eye care. “The daily problems encountered by ophthalmologists and their work conditions – particularly at the CHUM and the St. Jérôme Hospital – are atrocious,” declared Dr. Gaétan Barrette, President of the FMSQ. “The poor conditions have a direct impact on patients, who are subjected to undue delay in gaining access to care”.

The Fédération recalled that, less than a year ago, this same government was open to the establishment of an ophthalmology A-SMC. In view of that new ministerial policy, projects were developed with the cooperation of the medical specialists concerned and were, in fact, on the point of being realized, with the necessary accompanying investments. The FMSQ now questions the real reasons for the Minister’s turnaround. “The government has let it be known that its decision was guided by the improved access to services delivered by the public health system at equivalent or lower cost. We have been informed that the two projects which were rejected met the very same criteria,” stated Dr. Barrette.

The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec once again states that it is in favor of a public healthcare system and supports any project likely to complement the services provided by the public system when the latter has reached its limit. The FMSQ asks the Minister of Health and Social Services to clearly set out the solutions and timetables that will be presented to ophthalmologists, so that they can practice under optimal conditions. “If the Minister’s decision remains unchanged and no rapid, concrete solutions are forthcoming, it will not only endanger access to care but will lead to the loss of ophthalmologists who, demotivated and concerned about the future, will choose to leave the public healthcare system”.

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