Northern Saskatchewan Emergency Health Update: What You Must Know

This episode of Treaty Ten News provides updates affecting Northern communities. The panel, which included Dr. Isaac Sobol Medical Health Officer Northern Medical Services, discusses topics such as Covid-19, the emergence of new variants and the low vaccine intake in the northern region. Saskatchewan in particular has low numbers when compared to the rest of Canada. 

There is the topic of sexually transmitted infections. Syphilis was once thought of as a rare "ancient" infection has now seen a resurgence in numbers causing a major concern. It is highly urged by health professionals that people should get seen and treated at a medical clinic. Advancements in HIV treatment allows for someone to take medication that would stop that person's ability to spread to virus to others. Treatment for TB is discussed, including the use of daily observed therapy to ensure medication compliance. It is mentioned that a portable x-ray machine can be brought to a community with TB cases to identify other potential cases.

Another topic of concern that was covered was the Forest Fire season of 2023. There is a frustration expressed on how the evacuees from northern Saskatchewan were handled, which included small children and elders. Some evacuees had chronic health issues to deal with and had specific diet needs. It was described as a difficult situation for everyone involved. The need for improvement on the emergency planning when it comes to evacuating entire communities was expressed. There is a sense that there was a lack of resources provided in a timely fashion, as well as poor communication and leadership. It is recommended that each community have an Emergency Planning in place.