Quebecs Family doctor shortage just tip of the iceberg
By Shawn Dearn
Quebec Federation of General Practitioners says the province needs as many as 1,000 more family doctors to fill current needs
Quebecers who do not already have family doctors likely won't be getting one anytime soon.
The Quebec Federation of General Practitioners says there is a shortage of between 800 and 1,000 general practitioners to fill the current needs of Quebecers who require care.
The shortage is due largely to early retirements; moves to the private sector; and a decline in enrollments to practice family medicine. Measures adopted by Quebec's former Minister of Health, Gaétan Barrette, were also singled out.
Currently, 19% of Quebecers do not have a family doctor.
The Federation of General Practitioners is also warning that there could be a lack of doctors in obstetrics, gynecology and anesthesia in the coming years.