MLTC Worried About Ability To Handle TB Outbreaks

MLTC Worried About Ability To Handle TB Outbreaks

Wednesday, October 04, 2006 at 15:17

The primary care manager for the Meadow Lake Tribal Council says more money is needed to ensure reserves are protected from outbreaks of diseases like tuberculosis.

Janet McVicar says her region badly needs an increase in funding for its community health program.

The recent spike in TB infections and a population surge increase the risk of a widespread outbreak.

She says it’s difficult to understand how they will deal with threats like this unless they have more money to retain existing staff and services.

McVicar says the MLTC was feeling optimistic it was going to get some relief from Ottawa until last week.

That’s when the government announced it was taking $1.3 billion from a number of programs to help pay down the debt.