It promises to be a busy year for federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu.
In her mandate letter from the prime minister, Hajdu is being tasked with following up on a plan for universal pharmacare.
According to Hajdu, “many Canadians talk about how stressful it is to access medication that they need either to manage a longstanding chronic illness or treat an urgent illness.”
The health minister is also going to be looking into improving Canadians’ access to primary physicians, especially in remote areas.
She calls it a big challenge.
“Because obviously our country is a vast one and many parts have small numbers of people in very remote areas which creates a challenge for people in getting their health care needs met.”
Also on Hajdu’s to-do list is dealing with the opioid crisis in the country.
“Addressing the rising challenges that we’re seeing with opioid use and opioid overdoses and how that connects to people’s mental health and wellness.”
She points out the Liberals have promised $700 million for community-based treatment and services.
