Province announces mobile primary health-care clinic pilot

The Manitoba government announced a one-year pilot of a mobile primary health-care clinic on Saturday.

The province is partnering with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg Inc. (AHWC) to offer the mobile clinic to underserved populations.

“We know that people sometimes struggle to see a doctor or get regular check-ups when they are in precarious situations,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister, Uzoma Asagwara, through a press release. “Too often, health needs go unaddressed, get worse, and folks end up having to visit an emergency department. We’re pleased to work with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre to offer a mobile primary-care clinic focused on offering basic health services in a culturally safe and accessible format. This means if you’re feeling sick you can get health care right away, before it becomes serious, and we can put you on a path for long-term support so you can live a healthier life.”

The van will be operated by the AHWC, heading out into the community from Tuesdays through Saturdays and will offer primary care from an Indigenous-led perspective and holistic approach to health. A physician, nurse, mental health crisis counsellor, Indigenous social planner and peers make up the team with the mobile clinic.

“The Mobile Health Care and Wellness Clinic is a direct response to the voices of the community who have called for an alternate model of care to address their health needs,” said AHWC’s executive director, Della Herrera.