Province says it’s investing $330M over three years to improve rural health care

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on April 1, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Budget 2025’s new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program would invest about $330 million over three years to support health capital projects in communities across the province.

If passed, Budget 2025 will provide $15 million to support project planning in rural communities, which includes conducting facility and functional assessments of rural hospitals to determine what capital planning solutions and services are required to maximize each facility’s potential, said the province.

“Rural Albertans should be able to access the health-care services they need close to home. The new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program will ensure we are continuing to make data-driven decisions, and that resources are being appropriately deployed to address the areas with the greatest need,” said Minister of Health Adriana Lagrange.

Once project plans for each facility are developed, they will be used to inform future capital planning discussions and funding decisions for new projects, expediting the time between planning and construction.

The Brooks Health Centre is among the 20 facilities that will be evaluated in the first phase.

Alberta’s government is also supporting existing capital programs and projects that will maximize the potential of rural health-care facilities. The province says these investments aim to ensure that rural patients can receive care in the communities where they reside, reducing the need for long-distance travel to urban centres for essential medical services, reducing the pressure on major centres and support the wellbeing of rural Albertans.

“As an MLA from rural Alberta, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to high-quality health care facilities close to home,” said Minister of Infrastructure Martin Long in a statement. “This investment in projects in rural communities across Alberta will enhance care and strengthen our communities. I cannot wait to get to work on these critical projects.”

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