Ontario Passes Bill Permitting Private Clinics to Conduct OHIP-Covered Surgeries

The government of Doug Ford in Ontario has passed Bill 60, known as the Your Health Act, which allows private clinics to perform more OHIP-covered surgeries. The law was introduced in February by Health Minister Sylvia Jones, who argued that it was necessary to address the province’s large surgical backlog and reduce wait times for diagnosis and treatment.

The legislation permits both for-profit and not-for-profit clinics to conduct cataract surgeries, MRI and CT scans, minimally invasive gynecological surgeries, and eventually, knee and hip replacements under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.

However, advocates and experts have raised concerns about the lack of oversight, adequate staffing, and potential upselling in private clinics. Critics, including the official opposition, have warned of a two-tiered system, where patients who can afford private care will “jump to the front of the line,” leaving those who cannot behind. NDP Health Critic France Gelinas called the passing of the bill “a sad day” for Ontario and accused the Conservative government of prioritizing profits over the needs of sick people.

The NDP presented 74 amendments to the bill in committee, but none were accepted or considered by the Ford government. The only change made to the legislation is a technical specification that a physician at a private clinic cannot turn away a patient who chooses to pay with their OHIP card. As the legislation awaits Royal Assent, its implementation remains controversial, with some concerned about the potential consequences for public healthcare in Ontario.