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March 22, 2000
(Health and Community Services)


High Priority Health Programs receive funding

Health and Community Services Minister, Roger Grimes, said today that by investing in high priority health programs in Budget 2000, government is ensuring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive quality care.

"Many areas of the health system require increased financial resources. In consultation with the health and community services boards, we have prioritized the program areas and allotted funding in today�s budget," said the minister. "Along with strategic investments in infrastructure, equipment, human resources and base board funding, today�s choices on program areas reflect our commitment to bring the best quality health services to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Government has approved an annualized investment of $2.8 million in operating funds for the cardiac program to meet current and future demands. In addition, $1.2 million will be provided to renovate and purchase new equipment to enhance the provincial cardiac program. By the fall of 2000, the province will move from 12 surgeries per week to 15 per week. In the interim, government has approved approximately $2 million to improve the cardiac surgery wait list. This funding will give 60 patients the opportunity to receive their cardiac surgery out of province.

Government has approved $3.3 million for improved road ambulance services in the province, and almost $1 million to continue pilot projects in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Twillingate and Port aux Basques to search out innovative ways to deliver primary health care through a team approach to health and well-being.

Six million dollars is being provided for a King Air 350 air ambulance to replace the old King Air 100. This is in keeping with government�s commitment to provide a reliable and efficient air ambulance service in the province.

Additional funding of $5.4 million is provided for the coverage of new and proven drugs under the province�s drug program and for increased utilization.

$421,600 is provided for the operation of two new community based renal dialysis operations in St. Anthony and Clarenville on a pilot basis. One time funding of $150,800 is also budgeted to purchase four dialysis machines for the two sites.

Government is committing $2 million to renovate an area at St. Clare�s hospital for the creation of a comprehensive breast center site. The St. Clare�s centre will serve as a screening and diagnostic facility for the St. John�s and surrounding area; will coordinate provincial diagnostic activities; and will be the administrative hub for the breast health program.

"While government acknowledges there are other areas of the health and community services system which would benefit from increased funding, these areas are seen as essential and are within what the province can fiscally afford," said the minister.

Media contact: 

Karen McCarthy, Communications, (709)729-6670.

Carl Cooper, Communications, (709)729-1377.

2000 03 22 


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