Yukon is developing a healthcare investment plan

WHITEHORSE, Yukon – The Yukon wants to come up with a 30-year strategic capital plan to develop the territory’s health system, given the need to look at the Yukon’s current health and social care infrastructure to make sure there’s enough physical space and facilities to provide care for a growing, aging population.

That’s according to a request for proposals document posted on the Yukon government’s bids and tenders website. Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee (pictured) told reporters in the Yukon government cabinet office on Oct. 3 that the government is currently at the stage where it’s looking for an assessment of future needs when it comes to health-care infrastructure in the territory.

“It will be wide ranging,” she said. Dr. Alex Kmet, president of the Yukon Medical Association, told the Yukon News in September that a “massive investment” is needed in surgical services infrastructure and hospital space.

During an interview with the News ahead of the fall sitting of the legislature, premier Ranj Pillai spoke to the request for proposals on the matter. He said the territory must build more health infrastructure “whether that’s, you know, doubling size of the hospital, whatever the needs are going to be.”

The Yukon government and hospital corporation are seeking input and advice from subject matter experts to develop the plan, which will be created through engaging with the Yukon Medical Association, healthcare provider associations, Yukon First Nations and others.

The plan will be used to identify and prioritize how money is spent.

Infrastructure needs for the three hospitals – which includes the main Whitehorse General Hospital and the smaller Dawson City and Watson Lake community hospitals – as well as services operated by the Yukon Department of Health and Social Services and other clinics are included in the scope.

The document notes that the territory has 54 health-related buildings. The report is expected to be delivered by March 31, 2025.