CHANNEL-PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L. — Liberal Leader Andrew Furey said Tuesday while campaigning in Port aux Basques that low population density in Newfoundland and Labrador has long made health-care delivery challenging.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the potential reach of eHealth and telemedicine, which medical professionals have engaged in, he said.
“Our Liberal government recognizes the need for innovative health care now, more than ever,” Furey said. “We will expand access to health care in rural and remote regions of the province through viable investments in eHealth/telemedicine infrastructure — including vital mental-health and pharmacy services.''
Furey said a Liberal government would provide funding for technology and IT training, including on-site IT support to enable digital health care service delivery, and work in conjunction with the newly created provincial Health Accord to ensure equitable access to health-care services is achieved for all people in the province.
The cost savings through this service delivery shift will be put toward expanded subsidies for rural and remote residents, particularly residents of Labrador, to travel for specialized health care that cannot be offered digitally, he said.
