BC NDP

Merritt- The B.C. Liberal government's mismanagement of health care in Ashcroft-Cache Creek is putting lives at risk says Harry Lali, the New Democrat MLA for Fraser-Nicola.

"It has been more than a year since Ashcroft's two doctors quit the region because of the B.C. Liberal government's failure to provide relief for the overworked physicians," said Lali. "Now, after a year of deliberate inaction by the B.C. Liberals, Ashcroft has only one doctor, no full-time emergency ward, and no solutions on the table."

Lali says people in Ashcroft and the surrounding areas are tired of hearing excuses from the B.C. Liberals and are fearful for their health and the health of their loved ones.

"Part-time emergency wards are absolutely unacceptable," said Lali. "Does the B.C. Liberal government expect people to schedule their heart attacks and car accidents to coincide with the meagre hours being offered at the hospital?"

Lali noted that while the Interior Health Authority has brought one doctor into the area, he goes to Vancouver on the weekends to be with his family. Yet, instead of providing a doctor for the community when he is away, the B.C. Liberal government is content to put a "Go to Kamloops" sign on the door of the Ashcroft Hospital.

"People in the area are extremely grateful to Dr. Khan and very happy with the services he provides," said Lali. "However, it is shameful that the B.C. Liberals have put the burden of the entire area's health care needs on the shoulders of one lone doctor."

Lali's office has received copies of 150 letters demanding that the Liberal government take action to address the crisis. He expects many more will arrive over the coming weeks.

"People are fed up with the B.C. Liberal government's failure to make rural health care a priority," said Lali. "Lives are on the line; it's time for action, not empty promises from the B.C. Liberals."

Carole James and the New Democrats are committed to a strong, responsive public health care system that is accessible to rural British Columbians.