-From a visitor at SmileKonnects International House, 2019

Two months ago I had cramps in the abdomen; I had a lot of heart. This sudden inflammation is usually not that bad, but circumstances have made my case worsened. Let me explain. In October, I had a stomach ache.

But I am mentally strong enough to withstand the pain, so I went to the hospital without alarm me. When I say "I went to the hospital," I want to say that I went straight to the Emergency: no need to wait in a waiting room when you don’t have an appointment to sit.

In Quebec, when you have a strange problem, it is better to go to the Emergency. I want to tell you too that there is a selection when at your arrival and you will be assessed: according to the gravity of your visit you can expect between 10 minutes and 8 hours then.

In addition, better to have a family doctor to get an appointment; here, many people do not have a doctor and cannot be on medication, a real societal problem!

I have been taking because I was looking very sick, feverish and I am lucky to have a family doctor. This day was really unpleasant. A doctor with his trainee groped my stomach, telling me that I had to do a detox diet; maybe it had to be a gastric reflux. I left surprised, but relieved.

Two months passed before the same symptoms recur. Again. Direct to the Emergency. All day I had too much tests like blood tests, taco, ultrasound for thirty minutes, etc. to finally be told that I had to be "carried out in emergency: it is an acute peritonitis! "I spent six days in the hospital for my body regain all his strength.

Yes, the health system in my new home country has many flaws. Doctors seem incompetent, but that's not really the case. Better to say that they have a pressure affect their skills.

Here, Quebec health system is public, so the state acts as the primary insurer and administrator -managed by Minister Barette now- since 1971. Quebecers are shocked to know that public spending increases since 2004 but that their health system is still difficult achievement: family physicians are scarce, which blocks the intake appointments throughout the province Moreover, public coverage of all hospital and physician services is the responsibility of the state.

So it allows you to meet any specialist without spending a fortune or not to pay certain drugs. To this was added in 1997, a general drug plan made possible by the partnership between government and private insurers –important to know that a person who has worked for three months full-time in a company must adhere to this fee regime -.

This regime allows being refund certain expenses related to specific services (dental, optometric, etc.). In short, Quebecers are dissatisfied with their health care system and social services! We can say that each province has its own rules.

For example, in British Columbia, it is necessary to apply for a health insurance card. The lead-time of three months and monthly charges apply. Also, the situation varies depending on where you come from. Please be aware that technological advances and research in Canada, about health, are known worldwide!

But the health care system, regardless of the province, remains complex; the worst, in terms of the organization, is in Province of Quebec ... So, please find a family doctor to make sure you have the possibility to benefit from the health care system in the Quebec system very complex to me. 

SmileKonnects International House looks forward to welcome you in their International House ! It would be a pleasure to help you to know more about Canada and the amazing City of Quebec for you to fully enjoy your stay in our wonderful region ! 😉