Continuing the call for better health care

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This article was published 16/12/2021 (1008 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With 2021 coming to and end, my colleagues and I recognize that this has been another difficult year for all Manitobans. Every family in Manitoba has been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in some form.

The commitments and sacrifices made by Manitobans, both during the holidays and throughout the year, are helping save lives and preparing us for a strong recovery in 2022.

Sadly though, the Pallister-Stefanson governments keep missing the mark throughout the pandemic — making life harder for you. We are now in the fourth wave of this pandemic and Manitobans are still experiencing difficulties, especially in the health-care system.

Nursing vacancies have reached unprecedented levels in Manitoba — 2,000 vacancies province-wide. Doctors Manitoba estimates that our surgical and diagnostic backlog has grown to 152,000 cases. Manitobans have died while awaiting surgery and many are living with chronic conditions that greatly limit their mobility and quality of life. This is horrifying.

Over the last five years, the Progressive Conservative government has dismantled and amalgamated critical health-care facilities and services. This has left our system in a shambles.

The situation in Manitoba’s critical-care units is dire. As a result of the Pallister-Stefanson governments refusing to address the staffing crisis and address the surgical backlog between waves, the Stefanson government is putting out a desperate plea for help, requesting military ICU assistance as the province’s health-care system continues to drown. This aid should have been asked for t long ago. Loved ones have been shipped thousands of kilometres away and patients continue to suffer as the government fails to prioritize the health and safety of Manitobans.

I, along with my NDP colleagues, will continue to call on Premier Stefanson to fix the damage the Pallister-Stefanson governments have caused to our health-care system for the health and safety of all Manitobans.

During the holidays, please remember to gather safely. We can all continue doing our part to keep everyone safe by following public health protocols, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated.

It is so important for all eligible children and adults to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Everyone can make an appointment online with an email address and health card number, or by phone at 1-844-626-8222.

If you would like to contact us, our constituency office is located at 103-1730 Leila Ave. Call us at 204 417 3486 or emai mintu.sandhu@yourmanitoba.ca

Mintu Sandhu
The Maples constituency report

Mintu Sandhu is the NDP MLA for The Maples.

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