Following the resignation of Quebec Premier François Legault, healthcare professionals are raising concerns about his handling of the province’s healthcare system.
Doctors and nurses are pointing fingers at the outgoing premier, alleging mismanagement that has led to overcrowded emergency rooms and burnout among staff.
Dr. Michael Kalin expressed disappointment, stating, “Our situation is currently worse than when Legault first took office. We have a severe shortage of family doctors, with over 2,000 missing. More than 1.5 million Quebec residents are without a family physician.”
Kalin criticized the government’s decision to centralize the healthcare system, claiming that it has removed decision-making power from frontline workers during crises.
He highlighted the impracticality of managing the system from Quebec City, citing instances where outbreaks were mishandled due to centralized decision-making, even leading to casualties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare providers in Quebec are calling for a leader who can look beyond short-term goals and election cycles to bring about lasting improvements in the healthcare system.
The frustrations of healthcare workers were echoed by the FIQ nurses’ union, representing around 80,000 workers who staged a walkout in 2023 to demand better working conditions and remuneration.
The union criticized Legault for managing healthcare as a business rather than focusing on patient care and staff support. They expressed hope that Legault’s successor would prioritize tangible measures to enhance the public healthcare system.
As the political landscape in Quebec remains uncertain with Legault’s departure, the focus shifts to the upcoming leadership race within the CAQ party and the potential impact on the healthcare system.
