Health Officer Optimistic Following Budget

The Region’s Chief Medical Officer of Health says funding announced yesterday is long overdue and welcomed.
Public Health will get an extra $273 million this year, rising to $469 million by 2008, but Dr. Pete Sarsfield says its not clear if the money is meant to help the fallout from SARS and the Walkertown water tragedy.
Sarsfield says he would like to see more funds go towards heart disease, cancer and injury prevention strategies.
The Province has also agreed to fund 75% of public health which Sarsfield says at first glance it appears municipalities will be responsible for less of the public health financial burden.
He is also pleased the Government has agreed to fund chicken pox and meningitis vaccines for children.