TORONTO – The association representing Ontario doctors says a proposal from the provincial government to offer advance payments will not be enough to keep clinics open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The provincial government is offering clinics monthly payments to cover the loss of revenue from lower patient volumes and increased costs for personal protective equipment. “Ontario will be providing advance payments to doctors, to be reconciled against future earnings, in order to ensure stability of physician services as we continue our battle against COVID-19,” says a statement from the Ministry of Health.
The advance payments would equate to 70 per cent of a clinic’s average income, and they’ll be expected to repay that money over a