Advances on access to health care and experienced workers
Réseau FADOQ is celebrating two major wins in connection with its political demands to the Legault government: the expansion of medical procedures performed by pharmacists and the mobilization of experienced workers.
First, Minister of Health and Social Services Danielle McCann announced that she will table an amendment to Bill 31 to ensure new clinical procedures performed by pharmacists will be covered under Quebec’s health insurance plan. This request was made by Réseau FADOQ when it appeared before the parliamentary commission in October to comment on the bill.
“We believe this amendment will prevent the additional professional services provided by pharmacists from benefitting wealthy individuals only. As we pointed out to Minister McCann, it would be unacceptable if the expanded delivery of health care services benefitted only those individuals who can afford to pay pharmacists’ fees,” said Réseau FADOQ Chair Gisèle Tassé-Goodman. “Now, Bill 31 must be passed swiftly and the coverage must be implemented. ”
Réseau FADOQ believes the following services should be covered under Quebec’s health insurance plan: prescription and administration of vaccines and, in emergency situations, certain other drugs, and adjustment or extension of prescriptions.
Finally, an awareness campaign about experienced workers
In the pre-budget brief (French only) it submitted to the Government of Québec last March, Réseau FADOQ stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive awareness campaign to change public perceptions of experienced workers.
FADOQ is delighted that Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity Jean Boulet was listening. He has just launched a campaign to encourage experienced workers to stay active in the labour market.
“This initiative by Minister Boulet responds to FADOQ’s call for increased recognition of the contribution experienced workers make to our society. It’s one of the cornerstones in the fight against ageism in the workplace, which affects far too many people age 50 and over,” said Ms. Tassé-Goodman.