Chief Wonders Why Bands Pay For Patient Transfers

Chief Wonders Why Bands Pay For Patient Transfers

Friday, May 29, 2009 at 15:23

 

 

Some soaring medical costs have prompted a northern Saskatchewan chief to turn to the federal government for some help, and possibly an explanation.

 

Clearwater River Dene Nation Chief Roy Cheechum says he recently met with the Medical Services Branch to discuss patient transfers among the province’s hospitals.

 

The chief says he recently noticed his band was getting billed every time one of its members was moved from a southern hospital to one in a northern location.

 

He says he always thought that was the federal government’s obligation to cover that expense.

 

Cheechum has met with some high-level officials about this issue, who have promised to look into it.

 

However, he says there hasn’t been any commitment to change the situation.

 

The chief says he also asked the branch if something could be done to assist in the transportation of cancer patients.

 

He says band members visiting the province’s cancer clinic in Saskatoon are often forced into uncomfortable situations when it comes to trying to find a ride back home.