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By Curtis Galbraith

Healthcare

Province announces $200 million to stabilize family and rural physician clinics

Dec 21, 2023 | 3:18 PM

The provincial government has announced an extra $200 million will be going towards improving access to family doctors and ensuring public health care is available to all who need it.

A release from the government dated December 21 says this money will be used to address issues like retaining physicians, inflation, and what it calls the “administrative burden.”

The province also says this came about after a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Alberta Medical Association.

“We are committed to securing primary health care as the foundation of the entire health care system, and family physicians are fundamental to our plan. I committed to work with the AMA to identify immediate measures to improve primary health care and this is exactly what we are doing through this funding. It will help stabilize the system as we transition to a new physician comprehensive care model, so Albertans can receive the health care they need and deserve,” says Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange in that same release.

AMA president Dr. Paul Parks says the first $100 million, to be paid out in early 2024, will help stabilize “family and rural generalist practices that are failing.”

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The second $100 million will be paid out in early 2025.

Dr. Parks adds that this will help keep physicians working in comprehensive care until the new Physician Comprehensive Care Model is put in place.

It would move away from a fee-for-service system and would include payment for hours worked and visits and related activities, says Dr. Parks in a letter to AMA members.

The government released promises that it is committed to finalizing this system.

Dr. Parks adds this funding came about as a result of “ceaseless, intense advocacy” and thanks Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Health LaGrange “for honoring the commitment to prioritize immediate stabilization of family and rural generalist practices with this significant down payment.”

His letter also says that “this is a momentous achievement, reached with your support. We all hope this is the beginning of the road back from the edge of disaster.”