July 29, 2005
Health Minister Tim Sale today announced the
Manitoba Medical Association (MMA) and Manitoba Health have reached an
agreement that will help bring more doctors to Manitoba, reduce wait times and
deliver better care sooner and closer to home for Manitobans.
“This agreement reflects a commitment shared
by this government and Manitoba physicians to work together to improve patient
care and build a modern, sustainable health-care system,” said Sale. “This agreement is an important step to
improving the pressing health concerns of Manitobans – wait times and doctor
shortages – and help deliver better care sooner and closer to home for
Manitobans.”
The agreement has been ratified by the board
of directors and general membership of the MMA. Ninety-one per cent of MMA members who voted,
voted in favour of the agreement.
“This solid acceptance of the agreement confirms once again that the MMA’s negotiation and allocation priorities enjoy broad support among the province’s doctors,” said Dr. Tony Herd, MMA president.
The last agreement between the MMA and
Manitoba Health had expired March 31, 2005.
Some of the
highlights of the new agreement include:
·
Annual increases to fee-for-service and
alternate-funding physicians of 2.5 per cent, non-compounded, for an overall
increase of 7.5 per cent during the term of the agreement. Payments made to doctors will be retroactive
to April 1, 2005.
·
A new $15-million Shoring-Up Fund to address
specific medical service priorities.
·
A new $5.5-million Exceptional Issues Fund to
address outstanding fee-for-service issues for designated areas of practice
such as pediatrics, nephrology, physical medicine, geriatric medicine,
cardiology and psychiatry.
·
A $1-million increase in the Continuing Medical
Education Fund.
·
A significant rate increase for specialists on-call.
The new contract also includes a memorandum
of understanding which commits physicians, through the MMA, and Manitoba Health
to work together in developing innovative strategies and initiatives on shared
priorities, specifically reducing wait times and improving primary care.
“This agreement will enhance the
competitiveness of Manitoba’s fee structure and alternately-funded remuneration
system, by bringing a majority of rates closer to other jurisdictions in the
country,” said Sale. “This agreement
will also help to incorporate the principles of sustainability, accessibility,
cost-effectiveness and accountability in the health-care system.”
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