Doctors of BC is responding to the BC government’s announcement that it will create a new, standalone shared services organization in 2026 that supports all health authorities in reducing administration so they can focus more on delivering better care for patients.
As the association representing over 18,000 doctors across the province, we support efforts to improve efficiencies and coordination within the health care system, particularly when those changes help reduce administrative burdens and redirect resources toward the front lines. Streamlining services and eliminating duplication are positive steps, but the true test will be whether this new organization strengthens physicians’ ability to deliver timely, high-quality care to British Columbians.
We are interested in seeing how savings translate into meaningful improvements in care delivery, especially in hospitals where members continue to share concerns about staffing shortages, burnout, and health and safety challenges. At the same time, we are concerned about the potential impact of the 1,100 layoffs on an already strained system. We also look forward to understanding how the Ministry will track and regularly report improvements to care delivery.
Although Doctors of BC shared physician feedback with the Ministry of Health earlier in the review process, we were not directly involved in shaping these initial changes. As the health authority review moves forward, we encourage government to meaningfully involve and engage front-line physicians in the implementation of their changes and the development of any new ones. Reviews and solutions need to include key voices to enable lasting, system-wide change.
—Dr Charlene Lui, President of Doctors of BC
