Kivalliq decision could set stage for Nunavut-wide system
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Baker Lake (Jun 04/01) - Nunavut could soon be changing the way it delivers air ambulance (medevac) services.
Health Minister Ed Picco has called for a review of past medevac contracts awarded in the Kivalliq region.
The minister's announcement came as somewhat of a surprise after tenders had been called for a new contract.
Picco said the decision he makes in the Kivalliq will likely be carried over to the Kitikmeot and Baffin regions when their contracts expire.
"My next step is to go out to tender and hire an aviation consultant and give them the terms of reference for what I want done -- which is to see if the way we've been doing it for the past 25 years is the most cost effective way," said Picco
"I'm making sure I'm getting Nunavut's best value for the dollar."
Picco is impressed with the central-dispatch method employed in most of Canada, which he views as cost effective and efficient.
He said it's time for his department to see if it can find savings and still provide the best possible air-ambulance service.
"I've talked to health ministers from across the country and most of them have moved away from sole source contracting for medevacs.
"Whatever decision we reach based on the Kivalliq, we will be able to apply when contracts are up in the Kitikmeot and Baffin."
Vice-president of sales and business development for Keewatin Air, Randy Klym said his company will continue to do its best to continue to provide air ambulance service in the North no matter what the minister's decision.
