The Alberta provincial government is implementing a dual-practice medical model that allows eligible doctors to perform surgeries in both public and private systems [1, 2].
This shift represents a significant change to the province's healthcare delivery. By allowing physicians to operate across both systems, the government aims to increase overall surgical capacity and reduce patient wait times, while providing an option for privately-paid procedures [1, 3].
Premier Danielle Smith and her administration are overseeing the rollout of the model to expand access to care [1, 2]. The legislation governing this dual-practice framework took effect on Thursday, June 13, 2026 [4].
Under the new rules, physicians who meet eligibility requirements can maintain their roles in the public system while also offering services to patients who choose to pay privately [1, 2]. The government said that safeguards will remain in place to protect the integrity of the public healthcare system [3].
Medical facilities in major hubs, including Edmonton and Calgary, are expected to be primary sites for these services [1, 3]. The first dual-practice surgeries are scheduled to take place in September 2026 [1, 5].
While the government focuses on capacity, the Alberta Medical Association has emphasized the need for oversight to ensure the model does not undermine public care [3]. The transition period between the legislative start date and the first surgeries in September will involve finalizing the list of eligible physicians, and coordinating with health facilities [4, 5].
“The first dual-practice surgeries are expected to occur in September 2026.”
Alberta's move toward a dual-practice model signals a shift toward a hybrid healthcare system. By integrating private payment options into the surgical pipeline, the province is attempting to alleviate pressure on public waitlists without fully privatizing care. The success of this initiative will depend on whether the model actually increases the total number of surgeries performed or simply shifts existing public resources toward private patients.
