The Nova Scotia government is backtracking on a decision to end a free medical transportation pilot program by next month. Health Minister Michelle Thompson told CTV Atlantic News the pilot program will be extended until April after hearing concerns from community members who have began to rely on the service to seek medical care. “We’ve heard directly from a number of people in Northern zone,” said Thompson. “And we certainly understand the need in the community.” Nova Scotia Health announced last week the transit pilot program had used up its funding and would cease operations in December. The extension until April will give the province and Nova Scotia Health the necessary time to review the program and to find a more sustainable pathway forward, said Thompson. “We’ll certainly be reaching out to the federal government for extended funding as well,” said Thompson. “There will be some changes. But for now people can expect to hear more.” Thompson said the province understands the transportation challenges and barriers facing patients living in rural communities. The free health-care transit program came from a recommendation made in the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
