NLIS 2
September 21, 2004|
(Executive Council)

 


Premier Williams talks health care in private meeting with federal Minister of Health, Ujjal Dosanjh

The health care needs and challenges of Newfoundland and Labrador were at the top of the agenda during a meeting between Premier Danny Williams and Ujjal Dosanjh in St. John’s today. Premier Williams was pleased to be called on by Minister Dosanjh less than a week after the First Ministers signed an agreement for new health care funding for the provinces and territories.

"I was very pleased to have such a productive and positive meeting with Minister Dosanjh. We have both challenges and opportunities in terms of health care delivery in this province, and today I outlined our priority areas for the minister," said Premier Williams. "We spoke about the challenge of dealing with wait lists across the country, but specifically here in Newfoundland and Labrador where people can wait up to a year for an MRI, cardiac surgery and other critical procedures. I committed, along with my fellow premiers last week, to making the reduction of wait times a top priority for this province, and our government will begin that process immediately, building on work already completed by our Department of Health and Community Services."

While addressing wait times was an important part of the discussion, Premier Williams indicated that one of his personal priorities revolved around an issue specific to Labrador. "I recounted for the minister details of my recent trip to the north coast of Labrador. I have said before that what struck me most on that trip were the children in those communities who are in desperate need of help," added the premier. "These young children, who in their early years are carefree and happy, have in many cases very dismal prospects for the future as a result of problems that plague our aboriginal communities."

The premier said he was deeply impacted to hear about and see first hand the problems related to alcohol and solvent abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, high rates of suicide, general neglect of children and lack of recreational facilities.

"The images displaying these problems are well known around the country; however, the images of hope are much less prominent," added Premier Williams. "As I watched the children ride their bikes and play hockey in the school gym and I chatted with them one-to-one, I realized that there is hope for these children, but they need help, and that is what I expressed to Minister Dosanjh today." The premier was pleased the minister recognized the problems and the need to address this situation.

The meeting between the premier and minister also included discussions on how the outcome of the First Ministers’ Meeting will benefit the people of this province, and assist the province in stabilizing the health care system. "I made it clear to the minister that this money would not solve all of our problems; however, it is a very positive step. Minister Dosanjh acknowledged the fiscal challenges facing Newfoundland and Labrador, and I believe he will work with us to address these issues."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500.

2004 09 21                                         1:45 p.m.


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