Quebec Launches Initiative to Enhance Health Technology in Rural Areas

A new program aimed at improving access to care in remote regions was presented Friday morning by, among others, Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon and the CEO of health-care technology firm CTS, Jean-Pierre Robert.

As part of the First Line in Health conference, they praised the potential of the Harfang program, which will ultimately implement Quebec technologies adapted to the regions to promote access and equity in health care.

“Health innovation is clearly one of the priorities for our government,” Fitzgibbon said in a speech at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal. “Our network faces significant challenges, Quebec society is faced with an aging population, it is also faced with a significant increase in network operating expenses.”

Fitzgibbon said he and Health Minister Christian Dubé believe the contribution of the private sector to health is an opportunity. “I think we must increasingly focus on collaborations with the private sector, research organizations, and businesses,” he said.

The Harfang program will survey health establishments and regional health authorities in targeted locations to assess their specific needs. It will then launch pilot projects that put forward technological solutions.

“To identify suitable Quebec technologies, CTS will work in collaboration with the ministry’s office of innovation in health and social services. A first pilot project should begin within six months, in a remote region that has not yet been determined. Two other projects are planned for next year,” Robert said in an interview.

Desjardins Group contributed $350,000 to the Harfang program. The Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy and the city of Montreal contribute to the project at the functional level of operations.

Another health initiative was announced on Friday by Minister for Seniors Sonia Bélanger. The role of CLSCs will be enhanced so they become the main access point to care and services for elderly people. This will allow seniors to find all the programs for seniors and caregivers in one place. Health personnel will also be able to better identify people losing their autonomy to act in prevention.

This enhancement of the role of CLSCs will be implemented this year and will be completed by the fall of 2025, the ministry announced.