Report ignores immediate health worker shortage
Despite the amount of time the Sask. Party government spent leading the Health Care Innovation Working Group, Saskatchewan’s woes have been largely ignored. A full third of the report was supposed to deal with human resources challenges, but only three vague recommendations on the subject were included, mostly centered on voluntarily sharing information.
“This is very disappointing,” said Cam Broten, NDP health critic. “Too many families don’t have emergency care or other health-care services available in their community. Saskatchewan people need and deserve much better.”
Broten said that the result of the working group’s report highlights the Sask. Party’s failure to appreciate the reality facing Saskatchewan’s families.
“Emergency room closures like those in Wynyard and Wadena are, unfortunately, not unique in Saskatchewan,” said Broten. “The report’s recommendations on sharing information between provinces do nothing to address that very serious and immediate concern.”
The NDP is pleased that bulk-buying of generic drugs, a long-time New Democrat policy, was recognized in the report, although the recommendation to buy three to five drugs through this method falls short of the cost-savings that could be realized through a more comprehensive program.
The report also fails to adequately address the root causes or social determinants of health – a major factor ignored.
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