Ontario tables health reform bill to expand private clinic procedures

Ontario: The Ford government on Tuesday tabled the ‘Your Health Act, 2023’ bill to reduce wait times for surgeries, procedures and allowing more private clinics to open and conduct OHIP-covered surgeries.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones introduced the bill and said that it consistent with the Canada Health Act and will reinforce that people always receive insured services using their OHIP card, not pay from their pocket.

The Ontario government said in a statement that this bill will require applicants to outline how the new community surgical and diagnostic centre will promote connected and convenient care, including its capacity to improve patient wait times and improve patient experiences, as well as its plans to integrate with the health system

This bill will also protect the stability of doctors, nurses and other health-care workers at public hospitals and other health-care settings, officials said.