Released on February 17, 1995
Health Minister Lorne Calvert said today the $1.56 billion healthbudget for 1995-96 takes Saskatchewan another step toward a secure and
sustainable health system by strengthening home care and
community-based services.
"The health budget has increased 3.4 per cent over last year, but
remains below 1991-92 levels," said Calvert. "If spending had
continued to rise at the rate it did before 1991, health costs would be
$400 million higher than they are today."
Calvert said that increased spending on services in communities is
consistent with the goals of health renewal since it provides people
with better service at a lower cost.
"Since 1991-92, spending on health services in communities is up by 41
per cent. We are saving $42 million on hospital costs compared to the
1991-92 budget because people are being served in more appropriate
settings."
Calvert praised the work of district health boards in co-ordinating
services and determining district needs.
"District boards have laid the groundwork for an improved health
system. They will now be able to implement the most comprehensive and
people-centred community health services in Canada."
Calvert said the transfer of 1,400 health workers to districts will be
combined with increased funding for home care and community services.
"This is the beginning of a new era for health services in communities,
giving people more options to live with dignity and vitality in their
communities," Calvert said.
Overall, global funding to health districts increases by 3.5 per cent.
This includes increases of one per cent for hospitals, 3.1 per cent for
nursing homes, and 15.2 per cent for health services in communities.
"We are phasing in a funding formula based on the needs of people, to
give each health district a fair and equitable share of resources to
meet people's needs. The budget will create an estimated 460 new jobs
for health workers in districts across the province."
Health budget highlights include:
ù no cuts to programs or insured services;
ù $2.5 million to link districts through state-of-the-art information
systems for more effective planning and delivery of health services;
ù $15.3 million, part of $20.3 million in previously announced new
funding, to strengthen health services in communities;
ù increased problem gambling services;
ù a new Hepatitis B immunization program; and,
ù child action plan initiatives.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Seland
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: 787-3825