ELNA medical group, a major health-care provider in Quebec, enters creditor protection

A Montreal-based healthcare network, ELNA Medical Group, has entered creditor protection following a decision by Quebec Superior Court. The court has also granted approval for ELNA to explore interest in a potential sale of its operations.

ELNA operates a network of family medicine and specialty clinics, along with diagnostic laboratories. While the clinics are privately owned, many of their services are covered under public health insurance. This development raises concerns about the future of ELNA and the continuity of care it provides to its patients.

According to its website, ELNA serves over three million Canadians through more than 100 clinics across five provinces, with about half of these clinics located in Quebec. The remainder are spread across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Laurent Amram, the president and founder of ELNA Medical Group, stated that the restructuring is aimed at enhancing financial stability and maintaining consistent care for healthcare professionals and patients. "We are confident that this restructuring will enhance our ability to innovate, accelerate the transformation of the health-care sector, and ensure sustainable growth for long-term success," he said.

In recent years, ELNA has significantly expanded its presence, particularly in Quebec, where private healthcare companies play an increasing role. Earlier this year, ELNA acquired the Brunswick Health Group, a large network of clinics in Montreal's West Island, along with additional clinics in the Quebec City region.

Dr. Marc-André Amyot, president of the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ), called the situation "worrisome." He expressed concern about potential gaps in patient care, stating, "We could end up with patients who have nowhere to go for consultation."

Quebec's College of Physicians has also voiced its concerns, emphasizing the importance of professional and legal oversight for private medical services. In a statement, the college stressed that healthcare professionals must remain central to the care provided to patients and indicated it would closely monitor developments surrounding ELNA.