Storm of Reactions: Quebec Requires New Doctors to Work in Public Health System

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

The Quebec government has stirred strong reactions within the medical community with its plan to require new doctors to start their careers within the public healthcare system, a move that could significantly impact communities like Parc-Extension, where many residents rely heavily on public healthcare services (Montreal Gazette). Health Minister Christian Dubé announced that by the end of the parliamentary session, he will introduce a bill mandating that new family doctors and specialists work in the public network for the initial years of their practice rather than opting for private sector work. This move aims to improve healthcare access for Quebec’s citizens but has caused tensions in negotiations with doctors’ unions.
The response was swift. The Collège des médecins, Quebec’s official regulatory body for doctors, called for a halt to the expansion of the private healthcare sector, arguing that the migration of doctors to private practice worsens service access for citizens. They reinforced the argument against private healthcare, stating, “The private sector has not proven that it improves access to healthcare services.”
Dubé expressed his disappointment over ongoing issues with access to primary care services and delays in surgeries. “Training a doctor costs Quebec taxpayers between $435,000 and $790,000, and losing doctors to the private sector is a loss for citizens in urgent need of healthcare services,” he remarked. The Quebec government appears ready to implement significant reforms to address these issues.
Potential Consequences of the New Bill
The proposed measure isn’t without controversy. The Fédération des médecins résidents du Québec (Federation of Resident Doctors of Quebec) strongly opposed the plan, stating that new doctors shouldn’t bear the full responsibility of revitalizing the public system. “It’s unfair to place this burden solely on new doctors, especially when other healthcare professionals don’t face similar restrictions,” a representative from the Federation commented.
Moreover, the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec) argued that if this requirement is imposed on doctors, it should apply to all healthcare professionals, as many also leave the public sector for private work. According to Ministry data, of Quebec’s 22,479 practicing doctors, over 775 work solely in private practice — a 70% increase since 2020.
Departure of Doctors from the Public Sector: An Escalating Issue
The trend of doctors leaving for the private sector concerns the government, as 40% of doctors who leave the public network for private practice do so within their first few years. This has led to challenges in service provision and longer waiting lists for surgeries. The Collège des médecins warns that this trend jeopardizes equitable healthcare access, recently adopting guidelines urging stricter regulation of private healthcare services and calling on the government to “freeze” further private sector expansion.

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