Moe’s comments on ‘innovative’ health care draw criticism from Sask. NDP

Comments made about health care by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe in a December interview have drawn criticism from the official Opposition, as well as a government response.

Speaking with Rebel News, Moe cited health-care access as “the number one issue for us in the province.”

“We have a base of hiring that is happening in the health-care system and you are going to see in the next number of months, going into the next year, a very open discussion,” Moe said. “You’re seeing some of it in Alberta recently, too, but a very open discussion about delivering health care in a very innovative way.”

Moe’s statement drew the attention of the NDP Opposition, which sent out a news release Tuesday criticizing the premier. It asserted that his comments mean he plans to “follow Alberta Premier Danielle Smith — like he always does — and move to privatize healthcare, dismantling public delivery for those who can’t afford to pay tens of thousands.”

The NDP release stated that Alberta is moving to “American-style, two-tier healthcare that would allow the establishment of private health insurance, and open the door to allowing private payment for medically necessary care.”

The Government of Saskatchewan responded in a news release of its own Tuesday.

“The lost and reckless NDP say new ideas are needed in healthcare but reject new ideas in healthcare,” it said. “They can attempt to frame this anyway they want, but the fact remains our government will continue to pursue innovative approaches to ensure Saskatchewan families can access high-quality healthcare close to home.

“That includes delivery of some publicly-funded, privately-delivered health services and the virtual physician program which the NDP have already committed to eliminating.”

Elimination would result in the cancellation of surgeries and diagnostic procedures while further increasing wait times, according to the government news release.

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