Released on December 16, 1999
A national report says per capita public spending on health care inSaskatchewan is among the highest in the country.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) report, National Health
Expenditure Trends, 1975 to 1999, was released across Canada this morning. It
shows that public sector health spending in Saskatchewan will reach a projected
$2,186 per person by the end of 1999, second highest in Canada.
The report shows public funding continues to account for 74.1 per cent of total
health spending in Saskatchewan. That is well above the projected national
average of 69.6 per cent.
"Our government continues to maintain strong, publicly-funded health care as
pioneered by our citizens in 1962," Health Minister Pat Atkinson said. "This
report clearly demonstrates that."
Atkinson said Saskatchewan's health budget grew by $195 million this year to
reach a total of $1.9 billion. She said this funding provides a wide range of
vital health services for Saskatchewan people every year, including*:
5,632,000 visits to family doctors and specialists;
more than 91,000 surgeries;
care for 9,000 nursing home residents;
400,000 immunizations for children and adults; and
help through the Drug Plan for more than 100,000 families.
"We are committed to investing in the health of citizens by ensuring they have
access to a wide range of health care services," Atkinson said.
*1998/99 figures
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4088