Budget 2013 Delivers on Provincial Government’s Commitment to Health Care

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, through an investment of $2.9 billion, delivers on the Provincial Government’s commitment to provide access to quality health care for families in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Sullivan is reinforcing that commitment following disappointing comments from Opposition parties that fail to see the emphasis placed on health care.

“There are no greater investments to communities and regions than investments that benefit families and seniors,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “The narrow-mindedness of comments from Opposition parties is both surprising and disappointing. Governments have to balance fiscal responsibility with delivering the best services possible. Through Budget 2013, we are achieving that objective without impacting patient care. Our approach is based on ensuring that all of the good we have experienced in recent years is sustainable over the long term so that our investments continue to support our children, parents, grandparents, and the communities in which they live.”

Approximately 40 per cent of the provincial budget is dedicated to strengthening long-term care and community services; creating access to important medical treatments; modernizing important infrastructure such as the new regional acute health facility in Corner Brook; supporting new drug therapies; reducing the cost of generic drugs; and, enhancing cancer care. In addition, the Provincial Government committed to complete an operational review of the four regional health authorities that will ensure that health care investments are maximized while preserving access to quality health care services.

“With $2.9 billion of taxpayers’ dollars being directed to health care it is paramount that the Provincial Government work with its partners to maximize the value for money spent on services that matter most to the people and families in this province,” said Minister Sullivan. “The reviews are not focused on cuts, but about ensuring the system is working to its full potential. They will help us better understand all aspects of the patient’s journey from how they are admitted, their length of stay, services they get, and how they are discharged and to identify improvements we can make throughout their journey.”

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 04 01                              3:50 p.m.