Atlantic health ministers met in Halifax today, April
3, to discuss opportunities for collaboration with emphasis on health
safety and quality, rising cost of pharmaceuticals, health human
resources and reducing wait times.
The ministers acknowledged the extensive collaboration
that is already happening.
The ministers agreed to continue discussions on health
safety and quality activities. The four Atlantic provinces have
discussed the benefits of regional activities, and their potential roles
and responsibilities. While the provinces will continue to participate
in the Canadian Patient Safety Institute at the national level and in
their own provincial initiatives, Nova Scotia Health Minister Karen
Casey stressed a regional approach is critical.
"We face many similarities when it comes to managing
patient safety," said Ms. Casey. "Regional co-ordination is one way to
ensure we are sharing best practices, offering the best services, and
providing the greatest measure of protection for our citizens."
To further the work on wait times, Atlantic ministers
agreed to endorse the Patient Access Working Group. It will identify
efficiencies across Atlantic Canada to allow patients to have better
access to medical attention.
"Our joint Atlantic work in health promotion and
protection is critical to address many of the challenges we are all
facing in our acute-care systems," said Pat Dunn, Nova Scotia Minister
of Health Promotion and Protection. "Promoting wellness and healthy
living initiatives, including healthy food choices, physical activity
and a reduction in smoking, will not only help more citizens to be
healthier and safer, but also help to sustain health care overall."
The rising cost of pharmaceuticals was discussed
extensively and the ministers agreed the Atlantic provinces should
explore common policies on drug pricing.
Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community
Services Minister Ross Wiseman said a federal effort would help further
that work.
"We continue to work individually and collectively to
find efficiencies within our drug programs to deal with the increasing
needs of patients, and we firmly believe that a national pharmaceutical
strategy is needed," said Mr. Wiseman. "We hope the Federal Government
will fulfill its responsibilities and work with the provinces to move
forward."
Prince Edward Island Health Minister Doug Currie said
today's meeting is an important step.
"Improved collaboration helps us deal with the
challenges we are all facing in respect to the ongoing sustainability of
the health system," Mr. Currie said. "This is important activity that we
hope to continue."
The next Atlantic health ministers' meeting will take
place in Newfoundland and Labrador September 8-9.
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