GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC FUNDING FOR ASSISTED REPRODUCTION BEGINS

MONTRÉAL, August 5, 2010 - The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) welcomes the start of the Quebec government’s funding of fertility treatment today – a move that will bring new hope to many Quebec couples struggling with infertility. The new program may also result in the improved health of newborns through a reduction in multiple births, as well as translate into cost-savings for the healthcare system.

Since the government’s announcement on July 13, 2010, the MUHC has received an increased volume of calls. Healthcare workers at the MUHC Reproductive Centre are scheduling initial appointments for new patients who meet government criteria for RAMQ coverage of assisted reproduction. The current wait time for the first consultation with a fertility specialist is up to eight weeks. Priority is currently being given to cancer patients and people already undergoing fertility treatment prior to August 5.

In the past year the MUHC has been able to provide 1,000 cycles of treatment, making the MUHC Reproductive Centre the largest in Quebec. We are working to increase our capacity. The government has committed $2 million to enhance MUHC facilities and supply equipment needed to optimize delivery of care and increase the number of cycles. This work will be conducted progressively over the coming months.

If you are a new patient interested in the government funded program, please call the MUHC Reproductive Centre call centre on 514-843-1650. Please do not call the hospital operator and do not visit the centre as appointments can only be made over the phone. We are working to increase our call centre capacity and this could take several days.

You will find additional information in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of this website. Please click here to access the Ministry’s press release, distributed on July 13, 2010 (available in French only).