July 24, 2003

The agreement between Manitoba Health and the Manitoba Medical Association (MMA), with respect to both fee-for-service and alternatively funded physicians represented by the MMA, has been ratified, Health Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.

Ninety-seven per cent of MMA members who voted, voted in favour of the agreement.

"The overwhelming acceptance of this agreement by doctors signals a positive and constructive working relationship between the MMA and Manitoba Health that will benefit patients," said Chomiak. "This agreement will enhance access to care for Manitobans, especially in the area of family medicine."

The agreement has been ratified by the board of directors and general membership of the MMA. 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 last agreement between the MMA and Manitoba Health had expired March 31, 2002. This current agreement will eliminate the need for a costly and lengthy arbitration process and will ensure that most doctors receive retroactive fee increases by Aug. 31, 2003, and no later than the end of this year.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• 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 ten million dollar fund to provide increases to historically under-funded specialities, as well as incentives to family doctors that provide full-service practices. For example, fees for providing care to patients while in hospital have been increased.
• Extends maternity/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.

"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," said Chomiak. "We’re confident that this deal will help make Manitoba a leader in access to family doctors and primary health care."

The agreement is expected to cost $56 million over two and a half years.

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