The lack of a budget is a red flag for the Manitoba NDP who are concerned that Dauphin’s MRI machine is being delayed.
The NDP have found that only a down payment of the machine has been done, as of today, no other payments have been made.
Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew shares his concerns about the provincial government possibly delaying the installation.
“This is just another sign that the government continues to delay getting an MRI for Dauphin and they don’t have a good reason for it. The last time I spoke to CKDM about this they were burying a report and using that as a reason to not get the MRI installed. Now it turns out they are playing games with the budget and they haven’t even put the operating dollars in place to get this MRI and to get it operational. That’s a big concern.”
Kinew says any delay in the project hurts not only Dauphin but the surrounding area.
“I think first and foremost people in Dauphin should have an MRI so that you can have the best healthcare possible. But let’s not forget that this impacts other people in cities, towns and other regions. If somebody in Swan River, for instance, if they could travel to Dauphin for the MRI that would probably make their life a lot easier instead of having to drive to Winnipeg. Not to mention saving money for the health care system too." He continues, “So this just seems like another example of the government bringing about delays of the Dauphin MRI and the people who are going to be feeling the impact are folks in Dauphin and across the region.”
The lack of a budget isn’t the only concern the NDP have when it comes to Dauphin’s MRI machine.
Kinew says there have been delays for such a long time one staff member left and the health region hasn’t replaced the individual.
“What speaks even louder to me then the lack of a budget is the fact that the government committed to training health care workers in Dauphin to be able to operate the MRI. They had identified existing staff to do this. One of those staffers got so fed up with the wait that they actually left.” The health region has not found a replacement for the individual as of yet. He continues saying that with these delays the quality of healthcare in Dauphin and the Parkland is lesser because of it.
“So you have health care professionals in Dauphin who are leaving because of the government’s delays. I think that it speaks to the fact that the government is just playing games here. But also we see the impact is going to be lower quality health care. Lower quality health care because you may have to travel further and travel more frequently.”
“Also it looks like the professionals who are delivering the healthcare are being frustrated too.”
Dauphin’s MRI machine was expected to be installed by October of this year.
The Provincial Government says the project is fully funded, recruitment is ongoing, and the MRI is still expected to be installed by October.
