Do the right thing and stand by doctors
Indeed, we’re not in the pandemic equally, as the needs of physicians have been ignored by the federal and most provincial governments.
In Ontario, tens of thousands of elective operations were postponed, and hospital clinics and private offices closed, or doctors saw only a few patients virtually. This helped to “flatten the curve,” but resulted in major financial losses for physicians. In this province, total fee-forservice billings dropped by 37 per cent between March and June compared to the same period in 2019. Also, orthopedic surgeons suffered a 60 per cent decline in billings and community-based internists were down over 40 per cent.
Many provinces such as Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador provided various types of income stabilization programs. With a deficit of $41 billion, and no federal guarantee of support, Ontario offered only an interest-free loan; the most recent top-up payment was in mid-July. Though MDs can hardly double their productivity next year, they are still obliged to repay the loan over several months.
What happens if there is a “second wave” this fall or winter and operating rooms and offices again close?
Will the greatly reduced incomes of these physicians be earmarked for repaying OHIP? After then paying overhead and taxes, will there be anything left for personal expenses?
In addition, Ontario has more senior physicians than other provinces. Many cannot qualify for private disability insurance. They may be forced into 14 days of self-isolation and are at higher risk of developing severe or fatal disease from COVID -19. They and their families desperately need government-funded financial protection.
Ottawa should send targeted transfers to Ontario and other provinces so as to protect MDs, much like the 2003 SARS Income Stabilization Program. After the WE charity fiasco, Finance Minister Bill Morneau now has a chance to partially redeem himself and do the right thing. Recall that a few months ago he pledged: “We will not put a cap on what we might need to solve the problem.” He should demonstrate appreciation and respect to Canadian physicians and translate these fine words into concrete action. Charles S. Shaver, MD, Ottawa ( former chair, Ontario Medical Association, section on General Internal Medicine)