(January 16, 2023)<\/p>\n
By: Kenora Online<\/p>\n
The provincial government says it is working to reduce surgical wait times.<\/p>\n
Right now it\u2019s estimated that 206,000 people are waiting for routine surgeries.<\/p>\n
Minister of Health Sylvia Jones says they will be using private clinics to provide some of the procedures.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really wants to reinforce that this really is about quality of life and quality of life for patients waiting too long for routine surgeries,\u201d Jones said a press conference Monday morning.<\/p>\n
Premier Doug F0rd adds the province will be investing $300 million to address the surgical backlog.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll I care about\u2026all Minister Jones cares about\u2026all the government cares about is that you get the care you need quickly and safely.\u00a0 More surgeries\u2026shorter wait times\u2026all paid by OHIP.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another $18 million has also been promised to perform more MRIs, CAT Scans, cataract surgeries and other routine surgical procedures.<\/p>\n
Already the Ontario Health Coalition is calling the Ford government\u2019s plan to privatize Ontario\u2019s public hospital surgeries a \u201cfatal threat\u201d and a \u201cterrible blow\u201d to our public hospitals.<\/p>\n