The Official Opposition is looking for answers after they say an internal memo from NL Health Services reveals a $50-million reduction in healthcare spending.
PC Leader Tony Wakeham first raised the issue in the Legislature last week, citing the memo that indicates NLHS has been given a $50-million savings target for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
(PC Leader Tony Wakeham)
Wakeham asked how many procedures have been postponed as a result.
Acting Health Minister John Haggie responded that there have been no cuts or proposed cuts to frontline services. In fact, he says healthcare spending has increased year-over-year, adding that the health authority is $200 million over-budget.
Haggie said the $50-million reduction is related to finding efficiencies from the amalgamation of the four former health authorities into one.
“In actual fact, as far as surgical procedures are concerned, I do believe there’s been a nearly 30 per cent increase in the number of surgeries done in the last 12 months.”
