For more physicians in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

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QMI agency

Sunday, December 17, 2017 13:48

UPDATE
Sunday, December 17, 2017 13:54

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Family physicians of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve ask for reinforcements because very soon, they will not be more than four to serve a population of 56 000 people.

The family physicians in the montreal neighborhood gathered Sunday to try to find a solution to this problem. Although they are often talked about, their situation has not improved.

Two years ago, there were 15 doctors in the area. This year, they are not more than seven, and there remains only four the next year.

Recall that half of the population of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve has no family doctor.

According to the regional medical staffing plans, which fix the number of family physicians per territory-designate for the next year, Rosemont and Mercier West are included in the same territory as Hochelaga. However, doctors tend to choose to settle in these neighborhoods rather than in Hochelaga.

“What we’re asking for is to have doctors […] We need more resources, and the citizens of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve have the right to health and the right to have care,” said Carole Poirier, member of the parti québecois, in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.

“I think that the citizens here are entitled to the same care as those of Rosemont or Mercier”, she added.

“In the east of Montreal, there are two issues. The first is that of having a medical presence sufficient. And this is the population medical the older, so there is a renewal to put in place”, explained the minister of Health, Gaétan Barrette.

“So today, if a doctor comes home on the island of Montreal, he has no choice to go in one of the sub-territories where there are needs. Hochelaga is part of one of these sub-territories”, added Mr. Bar.

However, the minister can not force them to go to Hochelaga. Gaétan Barrette had assured that 80% of people in Quebec would have a family doctor by the end of the year. This is not the case in Hochelaga, where the rate is only 50 %.