September 11, 2000

Coordinated action to upgrade medical equipment and invest in new technologies is a key component of the Health Action Plan agreed to by all First Ministers.

Hospitals have had difficulty in upgrading and acquiring new equipment - such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines - to meet the needs of Canadians. One of the consequences has been longer waiting lists for medically-needed services.

Health care providers have made clear that there are also other equipment needs. For example, these could include the need to replace bedside monitors or lifting devices to improve the quality of care and working conditions for nurses and other health care personnel.

Accordingly, under the Health Action Plan, the Government of Canada will set aside $1 billion in 2000-01 and 2001-02 that provinces and territories can use to acquire and install needed medical equipment. $500 million of this can be drawn down this fiscal year.

This investment will help reduce waiting lists and provide timely, appropriate access to diagnostic and treatment services through the publicly-funded health system.

Provinces and territories will have the flexibility to set priorities within their own systems. It is expected that they will identify their priorities in collaboration with health care managers, hospital associations, regions, and health professionals.

Governments have committed to reporting to Canadians on how they have invested these funds and on improvements in access to services, including reduction in waiting times.