Private ER sets stage for showdown in Vancouver

The stage is set for a health-care showdown asB.C.'s first private emergencyfacility openedin Vancouver on Friday morning.

The provincial government is threatening to seek an injunction to shut down the Urgent Care Centreif it is found to be breaking the law.

The clinic, operated by the private False Creek Surgical Centre, plans to offer emergency care on a for-fee basis, which has raised question about how it will operate legally underthe Canada Health Act.

The law, which is the basis of this country's medical care system, makes it illegal for private clinics to charge patients for medically necessary procedures covered by medicare.

Health Minister George Abbott said it appears the centre would be in blatant contravention of the law.

At an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Thursday afternoon, the government authorized B.C.'s Medical Services Commission to send inspectors to the clinic. If they find evidence the law is being broken, the commission would seek an injunction to shut it down, said the minister.

Abbott said it almost looks as though the centre's operator, Dr. Mark Godley, is trying to provoke a legal battle over private health care.

That's how NDP health critic Adrian Dix reads it as well. He said B.C. has become a centre for the privatization of health care.

"And many of the leaders of that campaign view British Columbia as ground zero in that fight, ground zero for the right to extra-bill patients, to allow queue jumping."

Dix also accused the government of being slow to react to the new clinic.

"The minister of health and the premier, because of the political influence of private clinics, have been ducking this issue for years," Dix said. "Now, they've been caught short."

Aspokeswoman for False Creek Surgical said it's the government's responsibility to provide timely careand that has not been happening.

The private ER, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily,plans to charge $199 for a comprehensive examination, plus additional fees for various treatments.

About 150 people held a protest at Vancouver City Hall on Thursday, calling on the cityto deny operating permits to the clinic. Butcouncil voted not to do anything, saying it's not a municipal issue.