After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Quebec reached an agreement with medical specialists to impose certain specific medical activities on them based on regional needs.
The measure is part of the reform of the health network led by Minister Christian Dubé.
During the presentation of Bill 15, Mr. Dubé announced his intention to place responsibility for certain medical activities on medical specialists.
The Federation of Specialist Physicians of Quebec initially quickly resisted before agreeing to negotiate the terms.
However, in its press release issued Thursday morning, the Quebec government provided few details about this “agreement in principle.”
The agreement stipulates that medical professionals who “practice outside a hospital facility will now participate in meeting certain needs of the population, depending on the reality of each region.” “Depending on the specifics of the individual specialties, these doctors have to take on certain consultation hours or even support hours,” says the press release.
However, these specific medical activities (AMP) will be negotiated between the FMSQ and the Ministry of Health by November next year.
However, the conclusion of the agreement will allow Minister Dubé to submit new amendments to his Bill 15 to incorporate these new responsibilities of specialists.
Quebec still hopes this bill will be passed before the holidays to create the new agency Santé Québec, which will now be responsible for managing the health network.
Minister Dubé’s office clarified that there is no monetary amount associated with today’s announcement.
The minister could not be reached for an interview on Thursday.
More details to follow.