July 04, 2003

A tentative agreement has been reached between Manitoba Health and the Manitoba Medical Association (MMA) that covers fee-for-service and alternatively funded physicians, Health Minister Dave Chomiak has announced.

"This agreement is fair, affordable and in line with increases to other health care professionals," the minister said. "This successful negotiation process demonstrates a spirit of co-operation between doctors and government to find ways to improve patient care for Manitobans."

The agreement, subject to ratification by MMA members, eliminates the need for an arbitration process agreed to in June 2002, allows doctors to receive rate increases as early as August instead of waiting for arbitration to be completed and offers the following features:

• An increase to the base amount for fee-for-service physicians, as well as those subject to alternate funding agreements (such as salaries) of three per cent effective Oct. 1, 2002, three per cent effective April 1, 2003, and three per cent effective April 1, 2004. Payments will be made to doctors retroactive to Oct. 1, 2002.
• A $10 million fund to provide increases to historically underfunded specialities, as well as incentives to family doctors who provide full-service practices.
• An extension of maternity and parental benefits to all physicians, including interns and residents. This builds on the agreement reached in June 2002 that included maternity parental leave benefits for doctors for the first time.

"We are hopeful that this settlement will enable Manitoba to better compete with Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, provinces which historically have attracted many of our graduates as well as experienced physicians," said Dr. S.J. Duncan, MMA president.

The health minister noted this agreement brings rates closer to those paid in other provinces, provides greater incentives for physicians to remain in Manitoba and enhances physician recruitment in the province.

He said, for example, the deal will increase fees for family doctors who provide service in hospital. As well as offering a new incentive for doctors, this feature of the agreement will help ensure that patients benefit from continuity of care--maintaining the same doctor-patient relationship before, during and after a stay in hospital.

"It is encouraging to see doctors and Manitoba Health negotiators put a premium on improved patient care," the minister said. "Over half of the new money allocated to doctors in this agreement will benefit family doctors and help ensure comprehensive primary health care for Manitobans."

The minister noted that while these negotiations occurred outside of the arbitration process, future contracts can still be resolved through arbitration as a result of an agreement reached between MMA and Manitoba Health in June 2002.

MMA is currently seeking ratification of the agreement. It is expected that the results will be known by July 31, 2003. The deal covers the period of Oct. 1, 2002, to March 31, 2005, and will cost $56 million.

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