Time for 'personal reflection': Quebec health minister

Health Minister Philippe Couillard has confirmed he is considering options for his future, amid reports he may switch portfolios or leave politics altogether.

"As it has been written in the papers this morning, I am currently in the phase of personal reflection, which I have been sharing constantly with the premier," he told reporters Friday after meeting with members of the Liberal caucus.

Couillard, trained as a neurosurgeon, would not say when a decision would be announced or comment on media reports that he wants to return to work in the medical profession.

Television network TVA and La Presse newspaper have reported the minister could announce his departure from cabinet as early as next week.

Couillard said he hasn't made a final decision on plans for the future.

"This reflection is not over. It still has to continue," he said.

Premier Jean Charest said Couillard is welcome to take all the time he wishes to consider his future.

Charest also described him as "one of the best" health ministers Quebec has ever seen.

Couillard was appointed health minister after Charest's Liberals came to power in 2003. Before last year's election, he had expressed an interest in becoming Treasury Board president.

He has successfully stickhandled the government though contentious issues, including the use of private clinics to ease hospital wait times.

Last February, the government approved a pilot project that uses a private clinic to help deal with the backlog of patients at a Montreal hospital.