Released on July 21, 2000
Health Minister Pat Atkinson and Associate Minister of Health Judy Junor arewelcoming the prospect of additional federal funding for health care.
"I am pleased Ottawa has recognized the need for additional base funding in the
health system," Atkinson said. "The restoration of the Canadian Health and
Social Transfer (CHST) will help our province provide the health services our
citizens need."
Atkinson cautioned that while the federal government is committed to making an
additional investment in health care, the timing and amount of new funding will
be determined at the upcoming First Ministers Meeting, anticipated in
September.
She also said the restoration of the CHST will help address the fundamental
challenges facing the health system. Limited changes approved in health
district budgets will proceed because decisions such as reducing beds and
positions are based on matching health services to actual needs and utilization.
"What we are talking about is redirecting resources to where services are
needed the most," Atkinson said. "We are ensuring that health providers are
providing care where it is most needed."
"There are significant numbers of vacant positions in our health system. Every
effort will be made to redeploy and retrain health workers such as nurses,"
Junor said. "It is our intent that no nurse currently working in the system
will be without a job unless, she or he so chooses."
The provinces and federal government have begun discussing some priorities for
additional targeted federal funding, Atkinson said. These include improving
primary health care, and the training and education of health providers.
"We look forward to engaging health districts and other partners in these
discussions about future priorities," Atkinson said. "I am confident that in
the coming months, the Commission on Medicare will help identify innovative
ways to maintain a strong, sustainable publicly funded and administered health
system that meets the needs of our residents well into the future."
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For more information, contact:
Peter Mayne
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4083