Today Saskatchewan NDP leader Ryan Meili called on the government to address biopsy wait times and care for cancer patients, after doctors raised the alarm last week.
At the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s Spring Representative Assembly on Friday, doctors expressed their concerns about the backlog of biopsies that is impacting possible cancer patients.
“Patients have to wait six weeks or more just to receive their biopsy results,” said Meili. "Biopsy timing is crucial, but with the long waits, the chances of a good outcome are shrinking for these patients.”
Doctors also voiced their concerns about the Sask. Party’s decision to cut the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC). Aside from the cut making it harder for producers and businesses to send or receive packages, out-of-town patients are regularly missing their appointments, which delays their care.
“The loss of the STC has impacted families across the province, but especially in rural Saskatchewan,” said Meili. “Cancer patients are experiencing significant challenges, such as the inability to reach their appointments, the shipment of their drugs, loss of overnight delivery of test samples and medications – the list goes on. This government made a mistake in cutting this vital service, and needs to answer for these failures.”