Family physician Hiromi Tissera emphasizes a compassionate approach to patient care but expresses concern about meeting targets set by Quebec’s Bill 2 health reforms. Tissera, working in Montreal’s Ahuntsic district, believes penalizing extra time spent with patients is not the right approach. She values taking the time to connect with patients personally and understand their needs.
Despite Premier François Legault’s assertions that the reforms will benefit Quebecers without a family doctor, many healthcare professionals, including Tissera, are unhappy with the changes. The reforms, which tie part of doctors’ pay to performance targets, have stirred controversy, leading some doctors to consider leaving the province.
At District Medical, a prominent family medicine clinic in Montreal, nine family physicians have departed since the introduction of the health reform legislation. Some retired, pursued further education, or relocated to other provinces. Tissera is among the 260 doctors who have applied to practice in Ontario due to the dissatisfaction with the reforms.
The clinic’s medical director, Dr. Georges Zaarour, highlighted the impact of the changes on staff morale and patient care. The reforms have led to concerns among physicians, with some clinics facing possible closure. The mood among healthcare professionals is described as disheartened and disrespected, especially after their efforts during the pandemic.
District Medical, a GMF (family doctor group), is financed through a mix of provincial funding and physician-generated revenues. The clinic has grown rapidly since its establishment in 2020 but is now facing challenges due to the stricter targets imposed by the government. Doctors fear that the new system may hinder preventive care for children and affect patient access.
The Quebec government has attempted to address tensions by assuring that the reforms aim to enhance healthcare access by aligning care with clinical needs. While the vulnerability classification will guide access and funding, the ministry clarified that non-vulnerable individuals will not receive lesser care. The reforms intend to encourage doctors to handle complex cases and delegate less challenging ones to other healthcare professionals.
Overall, the new legislation has sparked debates within the medical community, with differing opinions on its impact on patient care and preventive medicine. While some believe the reforms could lead to better compensation for doctors, concerns remain about the potential repercussions on preventive healthcare services. Patients, like Cosette Wahba, express sadness over the ongoing dispute and emphasize the importance of finding collaborative solutions for the betterment of healthcare services.
