Canadian Clinic Violates Health Law: Lawyer

Steven Shrybman, a lawyer has said that the Centre for Preventative Medicine is in fault over advertising premium services to those people who can pay. A CBC news story Wednesday exposed the clinic's campaign toallow "concierge" service to those who can pay.

These people would also have 24-hour access to doctors as well as reduced waiting times. "Timely care, is what the Canada Health act exists to ensure everyone has access to, regardless of their ability to pay," said Shrybman. He added that the act was in danger of being breached since no one appeared to bother about implementing it in the right way. The Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons has also issued a notice to the clinic that it would be reviewing their policies to examine the legality of the clinic. But the president of the Alberta College of Family Physicians feels that the clinic is within its rights, "It's kind of like an administrative fee, which is completely OK," said Dr. Patricia Heard. "If this is an elaborate administrative fee, it's really up to the patients whether they want to access the service." For more information, please visit, http://www.cbc.ca/calgary/story/ca-concierge20060210.html