As the state of emergency continues to wane, the outgoing prime minister yesterday floated his idea of ”private mini-hospitals” while criticizing the Conservative leader for advocating a two-tier health system.
• Also Read: More private health: Legault still attacks Eric Duhaime
François Legault, leader of the Alliance Avenir Quebec, presented the unprecedented concept, which he described as “private mini-hospitals,” halfway between a family medicine group and a hospital whose services would be reimbursed by a public plan.
Two of these private medical clinics will be built by 2025: one in eastern Montreal, the other in Quebec. Each will cost $35 million and will be funded and operated entirely by the private sector after calls for tenders.
They have a 24-hour emergency room to treat minor cases and day surgery rooms.
“What we’re proposing is innovation in the private sector, but with free services for patients,” summed up Francois Legault, who goes through the riding of Anjou in Montreal.
Outgoing health minister Christian Dubey explained that the aim was to provide “better access to the first line” by developing a “complementary” offer.
A private, sensitive matter
The position of the private sector in the health network, said Mr. Legault agreed.
Soon after, his comments took aim at his rival Eric Duhaime – although he did not name them directly. He recalled that the Conservative leader had pledged on Friday to provide more opportunities for the private sector in the health sector.
“There are others, continued the CAQ leader, who propose a two-tier system where the rich can afford insurance and therefore have services that the poor cannot afford. At CAQ we are very clear: we are a party of moderates, we are a party of pragmatism, not dogma. Innovation is what we propose […] with private. »
Already at two speeds
Later in the day, the Conservative leader responded that the current system was already two-tiered, as private consultations were allowed.
“Without mentioning my name, he attacked our program and said it’s a two-tier health system. Let me tell you that the two-tier health system is the current system,” Mr. Duhaime said at a press conference on the Marisee Vineyard.
The Conservatives want to allow everyone to join private complementary insurance, which they say should reduce waiting lists in the public system.
In the end, Mr. Duhaime said he was happy with the turn of events.
“We want all political parties to be in favor of a private healthcare system. […] We’re glad to see CAQ consider the P-word a little less taboo, and that’s good news. »
– With Jules Richer
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