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January 15, 1998
(Health)


Minister responds to NLMA

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health, has responded to an interview by Dr. Karl Misik earlier today regarding the negotiations between government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) which began this morning.

The minister said negotiations can be an emotional time for those involved but accuracy must be ensured if the people of the province are to receive the facts. "Dr. Misik made reference to doctors in Gander and Springdale making 40 per cent less than physicians in other Atlantic provinces. This is inaccurate information and one has to look at the whole range of billing codes instead of one of the hundreds of billing codes doctors use to receive payment. I could isolate examples where some billing codes for physician services in this province are significantly higher than those of their counterparts in Atlantic Canada, and Ontario, for that matter. This, however, is non-productive and both government and physicians must work together with the facts to achieve a new agreement," said the minister. The current agreement does not expire until April 1, 1998.

The minister added that she would rather deal with specific issues through the negotiating teams than in public but would have to respond to inaccuracies if they arise. "I am sure doctors and the general public are interested in these negotiations and government will do its best to keep them informed. I am pleased that Dr. Misik has assured the people of the province that patients will not be placed at risk during the negotiations and this demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of our physicians throughout the province."

Contact: Glenn Bruce, (709) 729-1377.

1998 01 15 6:15 p.m.


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