Converting doctor’s offices to premium clinics could spawn a new health-care crisis – CBC
If Health Canada didn’t threaten crackdown, other clinics might pursue boutique model
Jul 26, 2023
News that a Calgary medical clinic has solicited “member” fees from its patients will no doubt shock many Albertans, regardless of their ability to pay for enhanced care.
But the believers in an equitable, fully public health care system should understand this challenging reality: some Alberta clinics have been charging patients thousands for premium services since well before Premier Danielle Smith’s tenure.
The trend predates UCP predecessor Jason Kenney. And the NDP’s Rachel Notley. In fact, you can go back five premiers into the Tory dynasty, to the latter days of Ralph Klein in 2006, to find a government and health ministry reckoning with a new private health clinic offering a boutique or “concierge” service for willing residents.
And similar clinics have existed in other provinces like Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
