EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s authorities will permit some physicians to supply privately paid surgical procedures whereas additionally working within the publicly funded system starting in September.
It’s inviting surgeons to use this summer season to have the ability to cost sufferers for elective procedures like hip and knee replacements exterior their publicly funded apply.
Surgical Companies Minister Adriana LaGrange says the established order isn’t working as too many Albertans are sitting within the queue too lengthy to get surgical procedure.
She says the change will appeal to docs, enhance capability and minimize down waits by permitting some sufferers to decide on a paid choice near house.
The contentious transfer, introduced final yr, has drawn concern from the Opposition NDP and public well being advocates who say it’ll degrade an already under-resourced public system, and is essentially unfair.
NDP critic Sharif Haji says the federal government ought to correctly fund the health-care system — together with staffing under-used working rooms — relatively than transferring in direction of a two-tier system.
Key particulars, just like the minimal hours in public amenities a physician should work to be eligible, are but to be decided.
LaGrange says there shall be no privately paid emergency or life-threatening procedures, together with cancer-care therapy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed June 18, 2026.
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