News Release

Doctors Condemn Ontario Medical Association for Misleading Patients

February 20, 1986

The physicians of the Medical Reform Group of Ontario today condemned the Ontario Medical Association for distributing a false and misleading poster which they encourage physicians to post in their waiting rooms.

The misleading statements in the poster include a contention that the proposed Health Care Accessbility Act will give government total control over the health care system and will deny physicians the right to make a contract with their patients. After the Act is passed physicians in private practice will still have total control over their working hours, the number of patients they see, the amount of time they spend with their patients and the tests and treatments they order. Physicians will still be able to opt out of the Ontario Health Insurance Plan and negotiate issues such as method of payment, and telephone and appointment availability with their patients.

The O.M.A.'s poster makes statements about Ontario's health care system which are inaccurate. Data from Health and Welfare Canada shows that Ontario ranks eighth, not last, in health care expenditures relative to the gross provincial product. Ontario ranks fifth in health care expenditure per capita, indicating an appropriate focus on out patient versus hospital care.

The O.M.A. should apologize for their attempt to mislead the people of Ontario and should withdraw their poster.


Contact: Dr. Philip Berger

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