Uncertainty remains about the future of health cuts throughout the province

Documents released yesterday and comments made by Health Minister Paul Oram continue to raise questions about the future of health care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and what services will be sacrificed by government to save money, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

Yesterday, Health Minister Paul Oram released proposed budget cuts by the four health authorities to eliminate their projected deficits. The cuts affect dozens of services and significantly impacts communities such as Old Perlican, Whitbourne, Stephenville, Bell Island, St. Lawrence, Northwest River, Sheshatshiu, the south coast of Labrador and other communities throughout the province. In response, the minister stated that no cuts would be coming at this time, but the health authorities were still expected to eliminate their deficits. No information was provided as to the future of these cuts should the health authorities be unable to achieve government’s cost-saving demands.

In addition, the minister announced that all new procurement was put on hold until the lab and x-ray review was completed. This raises more concerns for clinics such as Deer Lake that were supposed to get new equipment, but face uncertainty from the ongoing review. It also raises fears for other rural communities with lab and x-ray services, especially when it appears this government is determined to gut rural health services to achieve cost-savings.

“Minister Oram’s damage control exercise yesterday certainly didn’t give me any greater comfort that health care in our province, especially in rural areas, will be protected,” said Ms. Jones. “I am convinced that this government has an agenda to centralize lab and x-ray services. The review is supposed to be complete by the end of October and I expect further closures at that time. Any community with these services should follow the lead of Lewisporte and Flower’s Cove and fight the decision to remove lab and x-ray equipment. This government only bows to constant public pressure and that is what it will take for communities to maintain their clinics and services.

“In addition, while the minister says no cuts proposed by the health authorities will be made at this time, he certainly didn’t rule out cuts should the boards be unable balance their budgets. The minister needs to clarify his statements and ensure that no community or service will be negatively impacted by cost-cutting measures. When the demands on our health authorities are growing, providing fewer dollars will not address the real problems that exist.