630 CHED

FOM disappointed doctors and province could not reach a deal
10:32pm
Peter Haight
7/2/2011

Friends of Medicare is disappointed a 3-year deal could not be reached between the province and its doctors.

Executive Director David Eggen says the government is in a holding pattern and not dealing with health care issues.

Though the government has told the Alberta Medical Association it will continue with the status quo for one year until a new deal is reached, Eggen doesn't expect anything to happen too quickly.

"I think there's a provincial election that is getting in the way of proper decision making," says Eggen. "I think that it's possible to hash out a deal if both parties sit at the table in good faith."

AMA president Dr. P.J. White says both sides couldn't agree on issues of how to share decision-making powers and resolve differences.

Health minister Gene Zwozdesky says he plans to meet with Dr. White soon. (ph)