Former Health Minister Ted Flemming calls the decision by the provincial government to cancel the purchase of $900 thousand worth of genetic sequencing equipment that was paid for by “The Give” unprecedented and to reject a choice made by the Regional Hospital Foundation, a real blow to the hospital.
He says genetic sequencing is the wave of the future when it comes to cancer treatment and literally rips the heart out of a program which has been in place at the Regional Hospital since 2005.
Flemming maintains both Moncton and Saint John should have genetic sequencing because with an aging population, cancer will become more prevalent.
He doesn’t blame the Regional Hospital Foundation, saying it followed the proper procedures before deciding what it would use the money for.
Flemming goes so far as to suggest the decision by the Gallant Government appears to be almost punitive in nature.
