Fiscal Watchdog Warns Province's Surgical Backlog Will Take Over Three Years to Clear

Monday, 10 May 2021 13:13

By Linda Morgan

Ontario's Financial Accountability Office warns that by September, the backlog of cancelled surgeries will surpass the 419,000 mark.

The FAO says it'll cost the province around $1.3 billion to clear the backlog, though the government has devoted $610 million in the latest budget for this purpose.

It also warns Ontario will have a shortfall of $61.9 billion in the health care sector over the next nine years, but that may be rectified by introducing new measures to restrict spending.

The watchdog says its projections assume hospitals can operate in the coming years at 11 percent above pre-pandemic levels.

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Fiscal Watchdog Warns Province's Surgical Backlog Will Take Over Three Years to Clear

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