Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Delivery of health care in the Tlicho region. Mr. Speaker, I would like to discuss how primary healthcare reform will impact small communities.
Most small communities have no permanent doctors. One report noted that NWT is funded for 80.7 full-time equivalent doctors but as of September 2024, there were only 50 physicians registered, not including locums. According to the territorial medical director, health managers are asking whether residents in small communities are getting the same care they could expect if they were in Yellowknife or Inuvik or down south.
Mr. Speaker, the main issues for small communities are continuation of care, limited access, and a shortage of doctors, nurses, and technicians.
Historically, Mr. Speaker, Tlicho region had its own hospital and staff, the Faraud Hospital in Behchoko, which operated from 1936 until its closure in 1974. Today most Tlicho people travel to Yellowknife for health care.
Mr. Speaker, community health centres are meant to provide accessible primary care services to small communities. Having hundreds of people from Tlicho region use primary care in Yellowknife is not helping the system. The Tlicho community services agency manages health, wellness, and education services in Behchoko, Gameti, Wekweeti, and Whati. With more resources, Mr. Speaker, more nurses and doctors, could be sent out to communities. Imagine being able to get a simple blood test done in a community health centre.
Mr. Speaker NTHSSA is in the process of gathering information to better understand how to reform primary care. They need to put small communities first. I will have question for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Thank you.
Thank you, member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
