New Brunswick is launching a “base budget review” of the regional health authorities, Extra-Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick and NB Health Link.
The government announced Thursday that it has released a request for proposals for the independent review.
“A base budget review will ensure funding aligns with objectives for Horizon Health Network, Vitalité Health Network and EM/ANB Inc., so that New Brunswickers have access to the care they need when they need it,” Health Minister John Dornan said in a news release.
EM/ANB Inc. is the agency that oversees Extra-Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick and NB Health Link.
The province said base budgets have “increased steadily” over the past five years to address inflation, wage pressures, program expansions and other operational costs.
The review will look at those expenses to determine whether they remain “relevant and cost-effective” and to identify areas for “transformational change.”
The goal, according to the province, is to ensure funding decisions reflect current realities, including service demands and clinical standards of care.
“This process will support a more transparent health system that best serves the needs of New Brunswickers,” said Dornan.
“We’re committed to ensuring funding is being allocated to the right areas that will impact health care today and into the future.”
No timeline was given for how long the review will take.
