Quebec Bariatric Surgeons Plea for budget to Reduce Wait Times
Quebec’s bariatric surgeons are publicly appealing for increased budgetary support to expand their operating capacity and considerably reduce patient wait times for essential weight-loss procedures. Surgeons at the university Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec – Laval University (IUCPQ) are requesting funds to use a private operating room one additional day per week. This expansion,they argue,could dramatically alleviate the backlog in bariatric surgery cases,where patients currently face waits of up to two years.
The Current State of Bariatric Surgery in Quebec
Since 2021,IUCPQ surgeons have been utilizing operating rooms at MD opera,a private facility,two days a week through a partnership agreement that is publicly funded. This arrangement allows them to perform bariatric and general surgeries without requiring hospitalization. The current budget allocation for these two days amounts to $2,186,047 annually for 2024-2025.
Did You Know? …
Bariatric surgery rates have increased significantly in Quebec over the last decade. In 2014, 2,910 procedures where performed, rising to 4,217 in 2024, according to data from the Quebec Health Insurance Régie RAMQ.
According to Dre Annie Lafortune, a surgeon at the IUCPQ, the existing arrangement has been beneficial, freeing up resources within the institute for more complex cases. “It greatly unclogs the institute and the operating room for the more complex cases that we operate,” she stated. The team, comprised of nine bariatric surgeons, believes they have the capacity to do more.
The Push for Expansion
Despite the current arrangement, the demand for bariatric surgery far outstrips the available resources. Patients are waiting up to two years for these procedures. Dre Lafortune and her colleagues are advocating for the addition of a third day of operations at MD opera, which they estimate could enable an additional 140 bariatric surgeries per year.
The surgeons express frustration that all parties seem to agree on the need for expansion, yet budgetary approval remains elusive. “Everyone agrees,except for the budget,” Dre Lafortune lamented. “We do not want to cut care for patients and at the same time, we do not offer good service. We are available to operate more. All planets are aligned except the budgetary envelopes in Health Quebec.”
Budgetary Constraints and Institutional Response
The IUCPQ acknowledges the request but cites budgetary constraints as a limiting factor.Josée Morissette, a spokesperson for the IUCPQ, explained that the budget allocation for 2025-2026 is based on a “closed financial envelope,” requiring the institution to maintain the same level of surgical activity as the previous year.
Pro tip: …
Explore hospital websites and health ministry reports for data on surgical wait times in your region. this information can help you understand the demand for specific procedures and advocate for improved healthcare access.
Next October, the team will celebrate its 1000th bariatric surgery performed under the public-private agreement, which was established during the pandemic. Dre Lafortune emphasized the impact of this partnership, stating, “It was 1000 more patients as May 2021 who were operated and who could not have done since we did not have the resources.”
The Broader implications of Bariatric surgery
Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery offers significant health benefits, including the treatment of diabetes and betterment in sleep apnea. Surgeons argue that while the procedures represent an immediate expense, they are a long-term investment in patients’ quality of life. By addressing obesity-related health issues,bariatric surgery can reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
| Year | Number of Bariatric Surgeries |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2910 |
| 2024 | 4217 |
The increasing demand for bariatric surgery reflects a growing awareness of its benefits and the rising prevalence of obesity-related health problems. Addressing the budgetary constraints hindering access to these procedures is crucial for improving the health and well-being of Quebec residents.
what are your thoughts on public-private partnerships in healthcare? How can healthcare systems better address growing wait times for essential surgeries?
evergreen insights: Understanding Bariatric Surgery and its Impact
Bariatric surgery encompasses a range of procedures performed on people with obesity. It is considered when diet and exercise haven’t worked, or when someone has serious health problems because of their weight. Types of bariatric surgery include gastric bypass,sleeve gastrectomy,adjustable gastric banding,and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The rise in obesity rates globally has led to an increased demand for bariatric surgery. According to the World Health Organization WHO, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled as 1975. This surge has placed significant strain on healthcare systems, highlighting the need for effective and accessible treatment options like bariatric surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery in Quebec
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about bariatric surgery and healthcare funding. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be substituted for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
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