Why is there no word on re-payment of these fees? It seems to me that should have been something that was addressed

Today Mike de Jong, Minister of Health, issued a statement regarding the Medical Services Commission audit of the Cambie Surgeries Corporation and the Specialist Referral Clinic.

Here is the statement he made just a short time ago:

“Today the Medical Services Commission released an audit of Cambie Surgeries Corporation and the Specialist Referral Clinic (Vancouver) Inc. which indicated a practice of billing patients for publicly insured medical services.

“I understand that the commission has indicated that should the practice of billing patients for publicly insured medical services not cease, a court-ordered injunction will be sought.

“The Medical Services Commission has a legislative mandate to independently enforce the provisions of the Medicare Protection Act, which ensures matters are delivered in a manner consistent with the Canada Health Act.

“The Medicare Protection Act is designed to preserve a publicly managed and fiscally sustainable health-care system for British Columbia, in which access to medical care is based on need and not an individual’s ability to pay.

“Today’s announcement by the Medical Services Commission is consistent with its responsibilities under the Medicare Protection Act.”

This statement, as well as news released earlier today however, still doesn't say anything about the fee's they illegally charged, being returned to patients.

YES … they should order this extra-billing to stop … and YES the commission has every right to enforce the provisions of the Medicare Protection Act.

Still, why is there no word on re-payment of these fees?  It seems to me that should have been something that was addressed as being equally important. 

Why hasn't it been?

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … with the thoughts, and questions, of one conservative.