Gerrard blasts the NDP for refusing to support the health care accountability act

WINNIPEG – Liberal Leader Dr. Jon Gerrard re-introduced The Health Services Amendment and Health Services Insurance Amendment Act today, a bill designed to make accountability a fundamental principle in the delivery of health care.

Astoundingly, Dr. Gerrard has introduced The Health Services Amendment and Health Services Insurance Amendment Act on five different occasions. Unfortunately the Bill was not supported in June 2004, December 2004, November 2005, November 2006 and June 2007. Dr. Gerrard scolded the NDP government for failing to support a bill designed to provide Manitobans with a higher level of health care.

In question period, Dr. Gerrard referred to the many Manitobans who had told their stories at the public forum during the Patient Safety Conference on Wednesday evening this week.  “The many heartbreaking stories of the tragic and often fatal impact of a medical error and its impact on people and families were heartrending.  It is time to bring accountability to our health care system.”

Dr. Gerrard also referred to correspondence he has received saying Manitobans are having a difficult time trusting our health care system and that they dread ever having to use it again for themselves or their families.  “It is time to start restoring trust by ensuring accountability within the system.” said Gerrard.

In addition to legally enforcing accountability in the health care system, Bill 202 would install the five principles of the Canada Health Act into provincial law.  The five principles, universality, public administration, accessibility, comprehensiveness and portability are an integral part of improving the Manitoba health care system.

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