October 23, 2025
Prabh Sandhu
Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says the province will explore expanding access to private preventative health clinics to complement its public system.
Speaking on REDFM, LaGrange said the move is part of her mandate to ensure Albertans have “greater access to preventative health diagnostics and procedures.”
She said the province will engage healthcare providers and the public over the coming months to shape the program.
LaGrange cited countries such as Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, and Japan, where private preventative clinics operate alongside strong public health systems.
Albertans would be able to pay for tests at these clinics, with reimbursement possible if a serious condition is detected, she said.
“We want everyone to get tests that are medically necessary right away, but there’s also an opportunity for people to take more ownership of their healthcare,” she said.
The minister acknowledged concerns about a potential two-tiered system, emphasizing that policy and legislation will include safeguards to protect equitable access. She said private clinics will follow existing accreditation standards through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
LaGrange also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, noting that AI helps radiologists analyze thousands of images quickly and accurately, potentially reducing backlogs.
The minister said private investment could improve access in rural communities, where waiting for specialized tests is often longer. She stressed that medically necessary tests remain free under the public system and that Alberta will remain compliant with the Canada Health Act.
LaGrange concluded by noting recent growth in Alberta’s healthcare workforce, with the number of doctors rising from about 10,600 to more than 12,300, including family doctors and specialists. She said the government is committed to making Alberta a national leader in healthcare quality.
Loading ...
