January 16, 1996
(Health)

Health Minister Comments on department's budget

"No decisions have been made regarding the budget for the upcoming fiscal year," said Health Minister Lloyd Matthews today following recent concerns surrounding the budget for health care, in particular the western region. "When decisions are made, I can assure the public, government will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure our health system meets the needs of the people of this province, and decisions will not be driven entirely by budgets. The minister added the health system is undergoing a series of reform initiatives intended to make the health system more effectively structured and organized so that health resources are used in the most effective manner. "Our priority is to provide an appropriate level of health services and we remain committed to that priority."

The minister stated that the budgetary process the department is currently engaged in is no different than the standard process followed in previous years. "As is the regular process, health boards make submissions to the department outlining possible options and their implications. We have asked individual boards to take into consideration the reduced federal spending in presenting different options. What the health board in the western region, as well as boards in other regions have done, is present a series of options for possible consideration. They are not recommendations, they are merely options at this time."

Mr. Matthews stated that decisions regarding the budget will be made over the next few months following a review of a variety of available options. "We are going to be taking a close look at what avenues we can explore to meet the budgetary projections, however, we are not prepared to make decisions that will result in the downgrading of care available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Contact: Jill Sooley, (709) 729-1377.