A TMR private medical clinic has abruptly shut down, partly blaming Quebec's health minister and his decision to abolish accessory fees.
A CJAD listener told yourstory@cjad.com that L'Enjeu Medical Center was shuttered with a brief note when she went there last month.
André Chale said he learned about the November 16 closure of the clinic on its website when he didn't get a callback to re-schedule his appointment with his doctor.
"I sent him an email saying I was really sorry because I thought he was a good doctor and the clinic was really great and they were doing a great job," said Chale.
"Surprised? (I was) Very surprised."
The clinic's manager did not return CJAD 800 News' request for an interview.
On the website, a message in French and English said:
"After 15 years of operation, we have to accept the fact that in the current economic situation combined with the different announcements made by Ministre Barette, it is impossible to operate a medical center of specialized physicians paid by RAMQ without any government subsidies."
"We regret all the inconvenience this decision may cause to our very dedicated staff, our patients and our physicians. The financial losses of the last few years and the absence of new financial partners left us with no other choice."
Dr. Magdi Sami was not one of the owners but one of the doctors working there.
"I certainly did not blame him. I understand his point of view," said Dr. Sami in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
"I don't think people can continue to keep functioning at a loss. It's not possible."
Patients have been contacted to reschedule appointments with their doctors now working elsewhere. Chale said he's still waiting.
Another doctor with the clinic said she and other doctors are hoping to open their own clinic near L'Enjeu Medical Center next month.
The health minister's office said that the decision to abolish auxiliary fees was made to guarantee access to the healthcare system and that clinics have to deal with the new rules.
Sami said this situation was unfortunate because the clinic was operating well and that clinics such as this one helped take the load off hospital waiting lists.
"If the owners have to hire personnel and pay for equipment and be able to charge nothing more than the medicare fee for the physician to perform the colonoscopy, it does not make sense, said Dr. Sami.