Public & Private Health Care

The role of private health care is one that provokes much discussion, and physicians, like society as a whole, have varying views. 

Doctors of BC believes government must create benchmarks for wait times and that if those benchmarks are not met, then government needs to provide funding so that patients get the care they need. It is government’s role to set standards for wait times to ensure patient safety and quality of care. 

We note that private clinics have a role to play in managing wait times. In fact, in a number of areas in our province, private clinics are receiving public funding to address significant wait times. It is our position that this should occur at no additional cost to the patient. 

Doctors of BC will adhere to the provisions of the Canada Health Act, and any further direction on this will need to be decided by the courts and society as a whole. 

For more information, including background, analysis and references, please see the full policy statement.