Results from the Apr. 15 provincial election indicate that Jean Charest and his Liberals struck a chord with their promise to renew Quebec's health care system. The Action Démocratique du Québec (ADQ) had tried to set itself apart in the 33-day campaign by stressing a larger role for private clinics. If ERs are overcrowded, said ADQ leader Mario Dumont, private clinics' hours should be extended so care is available around the clock.
The Parti Québécois said it would continue to stress the development of group practices, which leader Bernard Landry said would help address the fact that about 30% of Quebecers do not have a family physician. In the end Charest's health and social service platform — spelled out in a 150-page book — won out over Dumont's support for privatization and Landry's promise of more of the same.
Medical leaders in Quebec say the campaign itself was relatively lacklustre because issues such as the war in Iraq and SARS diverted voter attention.
Dr. Stéphane Ahern, president of the Fédération des médecins résidents du Québec, says Charest will have to take a multipronged approach to health care.
“Right now, operating rooms are frequently closed,” said Ahern, a third-year resident in internal medicine. “If you are a resident in surgery, you don't have enough exposure to surgical practice. You then can't acquire good skills, and you won't feel confident about going to work on your own in a remote area where you would be expected to take a leadership role.”
Quebec Medical Association President Stanley Vollant said Charest faces a formidable challenge. “There is no magic elixir,” he said. “It is a question of working through solutions together, and Quebec's doctors will be ready to work to ensure that the right decisions are made.” — Louise Gagnon, Ottawa; Steve Wharry, CMAJ