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Global News
5 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Quebec announces $36M to improve pre-hospital services
The Legault government is releasing $35.8 million to improve access to pre-hospital emergency services, notably by increasing ambulance coverage. Health Minister Christian Dubé made the announcement Thursday, stating that the government's objective is to offer 'the best possible pre-hospital coverage to Quebecers in all regions.' Quebec will therefore add, starting this year, 35,000 hours of ambulance coverage service 'according to regional realities and observed needs.' Part of the money will also be used to convert shift schedules, during which paramedics must remain available 24 hours a day to respond to emergency calls, to hourly schedules. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Furthermore, Quebec is tripling funding for the first responder program, increasing it from $11 million to $32.7 million for all regions. This announcement comes two weeks after the tabling of a report by interim Auditor General Alain Fortin, which highlighted that half of Quebecers live in a municipality without first responder services. Story continues below advertisement In these areas, 45 per cent of 'very urgent' calls are answered in more than 10 minutes. In rural areas, this proportion rises to 59%, noted Mr. Fortin. In his report, the interim auditor general reiterated the importance for a municipality to have a first responder service, since, in 73% of cases, they arrive before the paramedics to provide basic care. The Ministry of Health and Social Services hopes to increase population coverage from 50 to 80 percent by 2028. It notes that some fifty municipalities have expressed interest in establishing a new first responder service. 'This major announcement, which will ultimately triple investment in first responder services, demonstrates that we continue to invest massively to improve pre-hospital emergency services across Quebec,' Minister Dubé said in a press release. As announced earlier this year, the government is also maintaining its commitment to install 450 new defibrillators over the next year.
Montreal Gazette
13-05-2025
- Health
- Montreal Gazette
Person with measles flew into Montreal from Istanbul, health authority warns
By A person with measles was aboard a Montreal-bound flight from Istanbul last week, Quebec's Ministry of Health and Social Services warned on Tuesday. The flight in question was Turkish airlines flight TK35, which arrived at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on May 7 at 5:37 p.m., according to a press release from the health ministry. All people on the flight and in the arrivals, customs and baggage areas of Trudeau airport between 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. that day may have been exposed to the virus. Anyone exposed to the disease who was travelling with an infant under the age of one, has a weakened immune system, is pregnant, or is not properly vaccinated against measles should immediately call Info-Santé 811 for assistance. In light of the current measles outbreak in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada, the health ministry urges people to stay up to date on their measles vaccines. Appointments for measles vaccines across Quebec can be made on the Clic Santé website or by calling 1-877-644-4545.
