Released on March 28, 1996
Health Minister Eric Cline said today the health budget for 1996-97demonstrates the government's continued commitment to a strong and
sustainable health system. Health spending, at $1.56 billion, remains
the same as in 1995-96, in spite of federal reductions in health
transfers. The total funding pool for district health boards also
remains the same as last year.
"The government has committed the resources necessary to make up for
the full reduction in federal health funding," Cline said. Total
funding for district health boards will be maintained at the current
level for both 1996-97 and 1997-98, and the government will work with
health partners to find ways to maintain this level through the year
2000.
"Our top priority is to provide the health services people need," said
Cline. "More than 100 Department of Health positions have been
eliminated and programs are being reviewed for efficiencies, to ensure
that health services are secure and sustainable."
Cline said that funding for individual districts will vary, with some
districts receiving more funding than last year and others less. "We
are gradually moving away from past funding patterns based on
facilities, to funding based on population characteristics and where
services are obtained. Funding follows the patient when people go
outside their district for services." Cline said that district health
boards will work with their residents to decide upon the best mix of
facilities and programs to meet needs within available resources.
Cline said that changes within the health system will continue, based
on the evidence that health renewal is working. "Since 1991-92,
spending on home care and community services is up by $47 million.
More than 5,000 additional people are now receiving home care, and home
and community services are reducing our reliance on institutional
care." Cline said annual savings on hospital costs are $44 million
per year, compared to the 1991-92 budget, yet the number of services
such as surgery is about the same, and, for some procedures, is higher
than before.
Health budget highlights:
Total funding for district health boards of $1 billion, the same
as 1995-96;
A reduction of $7 million in health department salary and
operating costs;
$9 million to cover increased costs of medical services and
education;
$2 million more for programs delivered by Regina and Saskatoon
health districts which benefit all residents of the province;
$1.8 million to help districts prevent work-related injuries and
assist recovery of injured employees; and
$1.4 million to the Canadian Blood agency for the province's share
of increased costs to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply.
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For more information contact:
Mark Seland
Saskatchewan Health
Regina Phone: 787-3825