YELLOWKNIFE, Aug. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Physician delegates attending the CMA's annual General Council today focused on ways to find efficiencies within the health care system and the training physicians need in order to advocate for better health care for their patients.
Other discussions during the second day of the meeting centred on how doctors can work to achieve efficiencies in the health care system. Achieving sustainability by increasing efficiency is not simply a matter of money, however. The goal must be to get improved quality from the health care dollars we spend.
Delegates today are also looking inward for ways to better engage physicians to play a leading role and advocate for transformation of the health care system.
"Medicine has always been a profession of continuous learning and innovation," said Dr. John Haggie, CMA president. "Motions passed at today's session build on that spirit by proposing efforts to support doctors young and old and help them seize leadership opportunities.
This theme extends to the delegates motions session, with several motions focusing on improving medical practice.
Delegates to the four-day gathering also demonstrated strong and united support for their colleagues in Ontario in their impasse with the provincial government.
"The message delivered on the floor of General Council here today in Yellowknife is one that must resonate in the legislatures across the land: Canada's doctors will not stand silent should governments choose to ignore fair bargaining processes in favour of unilateral measures that are not in the best interests of good patient care," Dr. Haggie said.
Dr. Haggie and delegates from all 12 provincial/territorial medical associations spoke passionately in favour of a resolution calling for the CMA to support any provincial or territorial association contesting through the courts their right to participate in a fair bargaining process. The resolution was put forward by CMA members from Ontario, whose doctors have launched a court challenge against the provincial government.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care. The CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing over 76,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 51 national medical organizations.
SOURCE: CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Lucie Boileau, Manager, Media Relations, CMA
[email protected]
Tel. : 1 800 663-7336 / 613 731-8610 ext. 1266
Cell. : 613 447-0866
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