Ontario government's economic statement signals a positive step forward on healthcare - Dr. Nadia Alam, President, Ontario Medical Association
TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Yesterday's economic statement by the Ontario government is a step in the right direction for healthcare reform in the province.
To start, the statement outlined positive actions from the government on priorities shared with the OMA: tackling hallway medicine, providing more resources to improve mental health, and working to end the opioid crisis. The OMA advocated aggressively on these issues on behalf of doctors and their patients, and we're glad to see that the government heard us.
Secondly, the government is taking action to mitigate the federal government's tax changes to medical professional corporations (MPCs) — another issue important to physicians who use MPCs to run their medical clinics and health facilities. Many female physicians use their MPCs to fund pregnancy and parental leaves. Taxing a physician who has prudently planned to address the financial impact of a leave is misguided and indirectly discriminates against young female physicians. The OMA's preliminary analysis of this single action by our government indicates that many physicians could realize significant tax savings.
Ontario's doctors see and treat patients everyday and spend the most time navigating and understanding our complex healthcare system. Waitlists, hallway medicine and doctor shortages are still a daily reality for many patients. That's why doctors implement cost-effective solutions locally to improve value for their patients. Physicians are uniquely positioned to counsel the government on its goal of improving a failing healthcare system and finding efficiencies without losing sight of patient care.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association is a membership organization that represents the political, clinical and economic interests of doctors in Ontario. Our 34,000 members are practicing doctors, residents and medical students.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
OMA Media Relations at 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 2862, [email protected], @OntariosDoctors
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