"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."

Media Contact:

Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)