Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, has officially announced the government’s proposal to permit physicians to practice in both public and private healthcare systems concurrently. This initiative, known as the “Dual Practice Surgery Model,” aims to alleviate wait times by increasing the capacity for surgeries. While the focus of the plan is on surgical procedures, Minister Matt Jones revealed that it could extend to include family physicians as well.
With over 80,000 individuals in Alberta waiting for elective surgeries such as hip or knee replacements, Smith emphasized that the proposed changes would mandate surgeons and supporting staff to continue performing a designated number of publicly funded surgeries annually. However, they would also have the option to conduct additional elective procedures privately during their non-working hours.
Smith highlighted that this dual system would expedite publicly insured surgeries for those on the waitlist, ultimately benefiting the entire healthcare system. Furthermore, she suggested that this approach could help in retaining local doctors and attracting those who had left the province for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
Citing examples from countries like Sweden, Germany, and Australia, Smith defended the dual-model system as a well-established practice internationally. The proposed changes aim to provide more flexibility to doctors interested in working across both sectors, addressing the current challenges faced by those transitioning between public and private systems.
Notably, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) expressed concerns over the government’s plan, warning that patients might face longer wait times and potential financial burdens. The Alberta Medical Association emphasized the importance of evidence-based reforms that involve thorough consultations with all stakeholders to prevent any adverse effects on the public healthcare system.
Meanwhile, Dr. Keith Wolstenholme, an orthopedic surgeon, cautiously welcomed the idea but stressed the need for detailed implementation guidelines to prevent overburdening healthcare professionals already experiencing burnout. Conversely, Nadeem Esmail from the Fraser Institute praised Alberta’s move towards aligning with international healthcare standards, emphasizing the normalization of dual healthcare systems in various countries.
However, some experts cautioned that the proposal could conflict with the Canada Health Act, a federal legislation governing the country’s publicly funded healthcare insurance system. Dr. Paul Parks and Jason Sutherland raised concerns about the potential legal implications and repercussions on federal health transfers if the reforms were to violate the Act’s principles.
