Kelowna-Mission Renee Merrifield has criticized the NDP government over what she claims is its inadequate response to the crisis in women害羞草研究所檚 health care.

The BC United MLA said there is a lack of funding in the 2024 budget for essential cancer services.

害羞草研究所淥ver the last seven years, it has become painfully clear that the needs of British Columbian women, especially those battling cancer, have been ignored,害羞草研究所� she told the B.C. Legislature on Mar. 4.

Merrifield said B.C.害羞草研究所檚 cancer care system was 害羞草研究所渂est in class害羞草研究所� 10 years ago, and number one in outcomes.

害羞草研究所淏ut it has deteriorated to the point of becoming an international embarrassment under the NDP, and it害羞草研究所檚 worse for women.害羞草研究所�

Stories have emerged about women being directed to medically assisted death because they cannot access timely cancer treatments, she added.

She said a friend who was diagnosed with cancer faced repeated surgery postponements of more than five months.

害羞草研究所淲orse yet, when the surgery finally occurred it was significantly more invasive than it would have been had it been performed when it should have.害羞草研究所�

Merrifield said waitlists for some services, including consultations, screening results, and surgery are up significantly.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 time for this government to step up to prioritize women害羞草研究所檚 health and to end this crisis once and for all before anyone else dies.害羞草研究所�

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