A growing crisis in Quebec’s healthcare system has reached a new peak, with a record 1,064 physicians leaving the public network, according to data released Thursday. The exodus of doctors is raising serious concerns about access to care and the sustainability of the province’s universal healthcare system.
The alarming trend, reported by Le Journal de Montréal, signals a deepening challenge for the province as it struggles to maintain adequate medical services for its population. Many of the departing doctors are nearing retirement, but the issue extends beyond typical attrition, prompting questions about working conditions and opportunities within the public system.
The number represents a significant increase from previous years. In 2024, 59 specialists were authorized to leave the public system for private practice in September alone, a figure that rose to 67 in September 2025, even after the implementation of a law intended to limit the movement between the public and private sectors, as reported by La Presse. Since April 2025, physicians have been required to obtain authorization from Santé Québec to practice privately.
Growing Concerns Over Access to Care
The shift of physicians to the private sector is particularly noticeable among specialists, with 29 of the 69 approved disaffiliations in September 2025 occurring in orthopedic surgery. Santé Québec maintains it has not refused any requests for disaffiliation, stating it is obligated to apply the law while carefully analyzing each request based on principles of maintaining service continuity, quality, and accessibility. The government, through the office of Health Minister Christian Dubé, suggests that many of these departures are temporary and do not represent a complete disengagement from the public system.
However, critics argue that the numbers paint a different picture. Dr. Isabelle Leblanc, president of Médecins québécois pour le régime public (MQRP), highlighted the dramatic increase in physicians opting for private practice, noting a 22% increase since five years ago. “I think there is danger in the house,” she stated, according to Radio-Canada. She pointed to a disconnect between the government’s efforts to train more doctors – with plans to increase the number of medical school graduates to 600 per year – and the simultaneous outflow of physicians to the private sector.
The Rise of Private Practice
Data from the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) shows that 3.5% of Quebec physicians were practicing in the private sector as of June 17, 2024, up from 2.9% in 2023 and 2.16% in 2020. The trend is even more pronounced among family physicians, with 5.09% (502 doctors) practicing privately as of the same date, compared to 3.34% in 2020. Among specialists, 2.13% (242 doctors) were practicing outside the public system.
The reasons cited for this shift include better function-life balance, higher earning potential, and fewer administrative burdens. The Loi favorisant l’exercice de la médecine dans le réseau public de la santé et des services sociaux, adopted in April 2025, aimed to curb this movement, but the latest figures suggest it has not yet stemmed the tide.
What’s Next for Quebec Healthcare?
The continued departure of physicians from the public system raises fundamental questions about the future of healthcare in Quebec. While the government maintains its commitment to strengthening the public network, the growing appeal of private practice presents a significant challenge. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the province can effectively address the underlying issues driving this exodus and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Quebecers. Further data releases from RAMQ and Santé Québec will be closely watched for any indication of a reversal in this concerning trend.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical or professional advice.
