Promises action after next Parliament is elected on Jan. 23
 |
| James Clancy |
Ottawa (6 Jan. 2006) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) applauds the announcement by the New Democratic Party that it will push in the next Parliament for $200 million a year to train health professionals.
NDP Leader Jack Layton announced the initiative Thursday as part of a comprehensive plan to protect public health care. Canada elects a new Parliament on Jan. 23.
“It’s gratifying to see a federal leader who fundamentally grasps that it’s an investment in human resources that will reduce wait times and fix health care in this country,” says National Union president James Clancy.
“We are equally pleased to see the New Democrats offer concrete support to a comprehensive health human resources strategy – one that goes beyond doctors and nurses. While considerable progress has been made in addressing shortages in those professions, the equally pressing problem of shortages amongst health science professionals – those who deliver the diagnostic, clinical and rehabilitation services essential to quality care – has received little attention," he adds.
“Buying new health technologies and building hospitals are important – but if you don’t have the people to operate the machines, perform the lab tests or provide essential post-surgical therapy, then you cannot meet the public’s needs."
The NDP announcement recognizes that health care provider training funds must respond to regional needs. Transfers to provinces will be designed to address skill shortages where they occur, and will be negotiated through agreements to ensure accountability. NUPGE
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
