News Releases:

March 1, 2006
Independent Medical Clinics Applaud Alberta's Health Policy Framework
Fresh approach to health care reform puts patients first
Vancouver, BC,


The Canadian Independent Medical Clinics Association (CIMCA) today applauded the Klein government for putting patients first in its new Health Policy Framework.

"Alberta's Health Policy Framework identifies fresh and innovative approaches to enhance the public health care system and will lead to a rapid elimination of wait lists," said Zoltan Nagy, Executive Vice-President of CIMCA.

"We applaud those provinces that have responded to the Supreme Court of Canada's criticism that governments have shown inertia. Alberta's plans will enhance Medicare and ensure it will be available for future generations," said Nagy.

CIMCA strongly supports the Alberta government's plans to draft new health care legislation in the spring around "patient-focused health care, quality health services, and timely and fair access to services."

CIMCA President Dr. Brian Day endorses Nagy's comments, adding that the answer to "queue jumping" is the elimination of queues.

"Albertans and other Canadians are ready to accept changes to our fatigued Medicare system," said Day. "A January 2006 COMPAS poll found that over 7 out of 10 Canadians favoured the Supreme Court decision allowing supplementary private health insurance and care."

CIMCA will prepare a submission to the Health and Wellness Ministry on the Health Policy Framework during the stakeholder consultations in March.

CIMCA is a not-for-profit organization that represents medical clinics, health care workers and patients. Its mission is to promote improved access to high quality and timely health care for all Canadians.

For further information:
Zoltan Nagy, Executive Vice-President of CIMCA  T: 604.688.6364 M: 604.338.6403
Dr. Brian Day, President of CIMCA  T: 604.874.1349 M: 604.644.2148

media centre /
News Releases
Media Clippings
Media Spokesperson