INCREASED FUNDING WILL ENHANCE PUBLIC HEALTH

The provincial government is strengthening public health services in Saskatchewan with the allocation of $740,000 in funding to regional health authorities.

"Public health programs are vital to the health of Saskatchewan people," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are providing regional health authorities with the tools they need to enhance priorities such as food inspection, health hazard investigations, disease outbreak investigations, water systems monitoring, tobacco law enforcement, West Nile virus response, and other key public health functions that continue to keep our communities safe."

The funding for increased public health capacity, which was announced in the 2005-06 Provincial Budget, includes $220,000 in one-time funding for 2005-06, and an additional $520,000 in annual base funding beginning this year.

This new money will enable regional health authorities to hire new public health inspectors and/or other staff in order to support existing services and improve inspection rates, particularly in the food, water and public swimming pool program areas. It will also provide support for enforcement of The Tobacco Control Act, and for public health program and protocol development, as well as enhanced surveillance.

"One of the main goals of The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care is effective health promotion and illness prevention," Nilson said. "Providing health regions with extra public health resources will help us further this goal, and ensure a healthy and safe province for all."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083