Nearly 400 physicians interested in joining dual practice system: Alberta government
The Alberta government has received nearly 400 expressions of interest from physicians regarding a new dual practice system. This model will allow doctors to perform private elective surgeries while maintaining their public health system roles.
Why it matters
The policy is highly controversial, with critics arguing it creates a two-tiered healthcare system that could drain resources from public services.
Alberta’s government says close to 400 specialist physicians have expressed interest in participating in the province’s new dual practice system.
The model is set to allow doctors to offer private services while also working in the public system, starting with elective surgeries like hip and knee replacements.
Legislation enabling the new system takes effect on Tuesday, but Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange’s office said Monday the government still has to do a formal application process before any privately paid-for surgeries take place.
The government announced in June that it wanted to hear from physicians over the summer, and LaGrange’s office said nearly 400 expressions of interest were received and are now under review.
“This will help us gauge interest, understand what specialists are contemplating dual practice and prepare for the formal application process,” said Maddison McKee, a spokesperson for LaGrange.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in