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Saskatchewan residents will have increased access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests thanks to the opening of a new clinic in Saskatoon.
On Wednesday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) awarded a three year, $14-million contract to Calgary-based Mayfair Diagnostics to deliver publicly-funded scans in the city, and to continue providing MRI services in Regina.
The province said Mayfair will conduct roughly 4,500 public exams per year paid for by the province at the new clinic.
SHA budgeted approximately $141 million this fiscal year for medical imaging services, a 68 per cent increase since 2007.
Despite increased investment to reduce the MRI backlog, wait times have still increased due to growing demand the province said.
“Saskatchewan has seen a growing number of patients referred for MRI in recent years, from approximately 39,000 patients in 2016 to 46,000 patients in 2019.”
NDP Leader Ryan Meili has been critical of the province’s MRI system and the selection of out province providers.
The clinic near St. Paul’s Hospital is slated to open in August.
