Bigger injection of cash is needed

Re: “Health-care system to receive $8.6-million boost” (Montreal Gazette, Feb. 12)

An extra $8.6 million? Now? Quebec health care has been dismal for years. This should have been addressed years ago if there is concern for patients’ well-being.

I’m concerned this is just a politically motivated announcement in an election year.

Health Minister Gaétan Barrette is right to say “there must be accountability” within the system. However, the government should be held accountable, too. There should be compensation for patients who must take time off work and school because of horrendous hospital wait times, and for families who lose a loved one because of inadequate care.

In my case, I had to withdraw from McGill University and move back to Massachusetts to receive a diagnosis and treatment after doctors here were unable to help me.

Furthermore, $8.6 million is not nearly enough. Billions are needed. If Quebec wants to improve health care, it must invest in hiring more doctors and training them to devote more time to patients. Julia Metraux, Plateau-Mont-Royal