The Northwestern Health Unit is warning area municipalities they may have to pay more for public health services.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says the government has changed the cost sharing model and several programs are no longer fully funded by the province.
Young Hoon estimates the need to recover $1.1 million, or an increase of 46%, from municipalities across its the Health Unit’s catchment area.
Young Hoon says the new model is 70% provincial and 30% municipal but they have received one-time funding to reduce the impact on municipalities for this year.
Programs not impacted include the unorganized territories grant, the new dental program for low income seniors, and the Medical Officer of Health compensation package.
Young Hoon is also concerned about the government’s decision to reduce the number of health units from 35 to ten.
One proposal sees the Northwestern Health Unit joining with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Young Hoon sees that impacting the level of care in the region.
She admits there are a lot of unknowns right now.
Young Hoon is uncertain if a merger will mean having to close offices or if there will be any job loss in smaller communities.
The government is looking to save money but Young Hoon says when you invest money in public health, you save money later on in health care costs, social services costs and justice costs.
Young Hoon believes there is room for the government to maneuver without seriously impacting the level of care but notes it’s up to municipal leaders to join the fight.
She is urging local governments to lobby against the proposed changes.
