BCMA And Govt Reach Deal

A new three-year Working Agreement between the B.C. government and the BC Medical Association (BCMA) will address priority health issues and lead to improved patient care, Minister of Health Services Colin Hansen and BCMA President Dr. Jack Burak announced today.

Hansen said the tentative agreement represents a strong foundation for a renewed working relationship between government and physicians while addressing critical issues such as reducing surgical wait lists, enhancing
maternity services and improving primary patient care.

"This agreement presents an important opportunity for the government and the
physicians of B.C. to work collaboratively on behalf of the people of the
province. We have agreed to a process that will allow physicians to take an
active role in working to address the critical issues of primary care, wait
list reduction, recruitment of specialists and technology support in
physician offices," said Dr. Burak. "I commend the government for
recognizing the role physicians need to play in system changes."

Hansen said consistent with other agreements in the public sector, the
parties have agreed to no increases in fees, salaries, sessional payments or
service contract rates in the first two years of the agreement. Consistent
with Canada Health Act provisions, an arbitrator will be appointed to
address compensation issues in the third year of the contract.

"Physicians place a high value on retaining the ability to have their issues
resolved by a third-party process and to avoid having contract disputes
intrude into the relationships with patients," Burak continued.

Hansen said in addition to the Working Agreement, agreement was also reached
on how to pursue health system and lab reform.

"Both parties recognize the urgent need to redesign our approach to health
care delivery to ensure it is sustainable over the long term," Hansen said.
"British Columbians can be confident we are prepared to work cooperatively
to make these necessary changes and better meet their needs in the future."

Hansen said to support a more cooperative approach, a number of joint
committees and working groups will be established to address major issues
like supporting full service family practice and increasing the use of
information technology by physicians.

He added the parties have also reached agreement on an approach to lab
reform that will see savings in lab fees reinvested to expand physician
services and modernize B.C.'s public laboratory system.

"We're pleased physicians have agreed to work with us to renew our lab
system and ensure better co-ordination of lab tests for patients, "Hansen
said.

The term of the agreement is from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2007. The BCMA
Board of Directors is recommending acceptance of the deal to its membership.
Results of the ratification vote are expected by July 27.