August 18, 1999
(Health and Community Services)

Newfoundland's financial commitment to health care recognized nationally

Statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) in Ottawa indicate the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has increased its per capita health spending from 1992 to 1998, putting it in second place among the country's provinces.

The information was highlighted by a Globe and Mail Amazing Facts writer, Bruce Little, on Monday of this week, who viewed Newfoundland's health spending "an oddity" by their measure. The article reads: "Since 1992, it [Newfoundland] has leaped to second spot from seventh on the per capita spending list. Combine higher total spending with a population that has been falling since 1993, and you have an 11.2 per cent increase in per capita outlays."

CIHI statistics show Newfoundland and Labrador spent $1,780.65 health care dollars per person in 1998, up from $1,518.98 per person in 1992. The province spent almost $90 above the Canadian average on health care for individuals in 1998.

The Department of Health and Community Services anticipates it will hold its place as a high spender of health dollars per capita again in 1999. At $1.2 billion for the 1999/2000 fiscal year, the departmental budget continues to be the highest expenditure of all government departments.

Media contact: Karen McCarthy, (709) 729-6670.

1999 08 18 12:50 p.m.

Reference:
Globe and Mail article: www.globeandmail.com/gam/FeaturesAmazingFacts/19990816/UAMAZN.html
CIHI Statistics: www.cihi.ca/facts/nhex/9jul99.htm