Quebec passes law requiring doctors to work in the public system for 5 years after med school
Quebec has recently implemented a new law that mandates doctors to work in the public health-care system for five years after obtaining their medical degree in the province. The passing of Bill 83, with a vote of 72 to 30, aims to enhance access to healthcare for Quebec residents by preventing doctors from transitioning to the private healthcare sector.
Health Minister Christian Dubé emphasized the importance of the universal health-care system, funded by the people of Quebec, in ensuring that everyone has access to medical care when needed. He stated, “The private sector can help support the public network, and we will ensure that this collaboration remains complementary and in the best interests of Quebec patients.”
Under Bill 83, doctors are required to obtain approval from Santé Québec, the Crown corporation managing the health network, before practicing in the private sector. Approval is contingent upon several criteria, including the availability of doctors in a particular region, ensuring that a doctor’s departure from the public system does not negatively impact patients, and verifying that the public network cannot utilize the doctor in facilities within that region.
The legislation, officially titled An Act to Foster the Practice of Medicine in the Public Health and Social Services Network, also imposes fines on doctors who violate the law. These fines range from $20,000 to $100,000 per day for initial offenses, with repeat violations incurring fines of $40,000 to $200,000.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health and Social Services reveal that out of Quebec’s 22,868 doctors, over 835 currently exclusively practice in the private network, marking an 80 percent increase since 2020.
By implementing these measures, Quebec aims to strengthen the public healthcare system and ensure that all residents have equitable access to medical services. The new regulations underscore the government’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of Quebec patients and maintaining the integrity of the public health-care system.
