The provincial government says it is committed to ensuring access to diagnostic imaging services for all residents based on their health care needs – and not on their ability to pay.
The province was responding to Alberta’s recent decision to allow its residents to access certain diagnostic testing by paying for the privilege starting today.
The move has drawn the ire of public sector unions who warn of the creation of a two-tiered system and the fear of pulling much-needed public health care professionals out of the public system into private health.
NAPE called on government to take a firm stand on Alberta’s move.
The department of health says diagnostic imaging services are provided in approved facilities and are covered by MCP.
In the meantime, the province has been working with NLHS on ensuring timely access to diagnostic tests. two new MRI scanners have been added to the system at the United health Centre on Stavanger Drive, bringing the total number of MRI scanners in the province to eight.
According to the provincial government other initiatives include:
- A new PET-CT scanner for Western Memorial Regional Hospital, which will be in place next year.
- Placing four new MRIs in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, located in the Burin Peninsula, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, with the fourth MRI to be located based on need.
- Hiring the additional staff needed to operate these machines.
