Quebec expands types of surgeries that can be performed privately for free
Posted December 4, 2024 10:21 am.
The Legault government announced on Wednesday that it’s expanding the range of services that can be carried out in private clinics, at no cost to Quebecers.
This comes after the CAQ was faced with a growing number of surgery delays.
According to a press release, Health Minister Christian Dubé said that Quebecers will now be able to go to specialized medical centres to obtain a wider variety of surgeries, particularly in orthopedics, otolaryngology, gynecology, and urology.
In total, around 20 services have been added to the regulation list on specialized medical treatments provided in a specialized medical centre.
These treatments were previously limited to cataracts, knees, and hips. According to the government, more than 260,000 Quebecers were able to obtain surgeries with the help of these clinics.
The new regulation will come into effect on Dec. 19.
The government maintains that this complementary service between the private and public sectors will allow it to reduce the waiting lists for surgeries.
“As part of the Quebec Health Plan, our objective is very clear: to improve access for Quebecers. This is why we are working to allow patients who have been waiting for several months to access surgery more quickly, and at no cost,” said Minister Dubé in a press release.
“We must continue to prioritize patients by relying on public and private networks.”
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
