Released on March 26, 1999
Health Minister Pat Atkinson today said funding in the 1999-2000budget will ensure better access for Saskatchewan citizens to
diagnostic tests and specialized hospital services.
"This year's budget includes funding to operate three MRIs in our
province, which will mean faster and more convenient access to this
important diagnostic tool," Atkinson said.
Since 1992, MRI scans have increased from 1,400 tests to more than
5,300 tests annually. The two new machines will reduce waits for the
tests and support the growing application of MRI testing.
There will be new MRI service in Regina for southern Saskatchewan and
increased MRI capacity in Saskatoon for northern citizens.
A second bone density program will be added, to be operated out of
Regina for southern Saskatchewan residents. The program includes
diagnostic equipment and initiatives to prevent and treat
osteoporosis. Currently, bone density testing is done in Saskatoon
for all provincial residents.
"We are going to see shorter waits for diagnostic tests and we will
reduce the need for people to travel to get specialized services,"
Atkinson said.
The budget also includes funding for increased CT scan testing through
the operation of new, faster equipment and the addition of a
mobile CT scan service for southern Saskatchewan.
Enriched diabetes programs, continued support for the expanded
kidney transplant program and additional cardiac catheterization
capacity for the diagnosis and treatment of blocked arteries, are
also among the priorities.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306)787-4088