An open letter to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

TORONTO, July 14, 2014 /CNW/ -

An open letter to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

Dear Minister Hoskins, 

Ontario's Doctors were disappointed to read several of your comments in the press regarding on-going negotiations between the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario government. While we do understand you are new to your portfolio, Ontario's doctors feel negotiations do not and should not take place in the media and in fact protocol is in place between the parties to achieve this end.   Patients expect that government and doctors can work together positively and productively to ensure that they receive the highest quality care. Furthermore, Minister, despite the comments, there is still a process to follow and productive negotiations are continuing. 

We know you are aware Minister, as a result of past collaboration, Ontario's doctors and government have made tremendous progress in many areas that have improved patient care and strengthened Ontario's health care system.  By working together, patients have been benefited through real tangible improvements.  Over 2.5 million patients who did not have a family doctor 10 years ago now have one. Today, there are 4,000 more doctors in Ontario than in 2003. Over 75 percent of Ontarians are enrolled with a doctor or Family Health Team, giving them more opportunities to get their care from a doctor who knows them and is familiar with their history. 

Minister, our partnership, our success in improving patient care, and our record of taking on challenges in collaboration, have created a positive, trusting relationship between the government and Ontario doctors.  The OMA is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with the government to improve access to quality health care services in Ontario. Our patients deserve it. 

Ved R Tandan MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS
Hamilton, Ontario
President, Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

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