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CAHealthOverlooked from the left2 days ago

Alberta dual-practice doctors could begin offering private surgeries in fall

Alberta's government plans to implement a dual-practice surgery model starting in September 2026, allowing certain physicians to perform privately paid surgeries alongside their work in the public healthcare system. The initiative aims to reduce wait times by enabling patients to opt for paid procedures closer to home. Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange argues the change will increase capacity and attract doctors. However, critics, including the opposition NDP and public health advocates, argue the policy risks degrading the public healthcare system and is unfair, citing concerns over

Posted June 18, 2026 11:14 pm

1 min read

1:59

Alberta’s dual practice surgery model to start this fall

The province is set to roll out dual practice surgeries this fall. But health professionals worry the UCP's plan is short on details when it comes to protecting the public healthcare system. Erik Bay has more.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government will allow some physicians to offer privately paid surgical procedures while also working in the publicly funded system beginning in September.

It’s inviting surgeons to apply this summer to be able to charge patients for elective procedures like hip and knee replacements outside their publicly funded practice.

Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange says the status quo isn’t working as too many Albertans are sitting in the queue too long to get surgery.

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She says the change will attract doctors, increase capacity and cut down waits by allowing some patients to choose a paid option close to home.

The contentious move, announced last year, has drawn concern from the Opposition NDP and public health advocates who say it will degrade an already under-resourced public system, and is fundamentally unfair.

NDP critic Sharif Haji says the government should properly fund the health-care system — including staffing under-used operating rooms — rather than moving towards a two-tier system.

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Key details, like the minimum hours in public facilities a doctor must work to be eligible, are yet to be determined.

LaGrange says there will be no privately paid emergency or life-threatening procedures, including cancer-care treatment.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

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Source document: Adriana LaGrange

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Global NewsParty-alignedRight2 days ago
Alberta dual-practice doctors could begin offering private surgeries in fall

Alberta's government plans to implement a dual-practice surgery model starting in September 2026, allowing certain physicians to perform privately paid surgeries alongside their work in the public healthcare system. The initiative aims to reduce wait times by enabling patients to opt for paid procedures closer to home. Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange argues the change will increase capacity and attract doctors. However, critics, including the opposition NDP and public health advocates, argue the policy risks degrading the public healthcare system and is unfair, citing concerns over

Bias read (Right): The article presents the government's position favorably, emphasizing the goal of reducing wait times and increasing capacity through private options. It highlights government officials' statements without providing extensive counterpoints from critics beyond brief mentions. The framing suggests a '

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  • government Adriana LaGrange

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  • governmentAdriana LaGrange