Member Statement (3 March 2026)

From Hansard (3 March 2026)

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Robot Surgical Program Shows Results

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year our government announced 2 million in annual funding to expand the robot surgical program. Mr. Speaker, we’re already beginning to see results. Over the last year nearly 500 robot-assisted surgeries have been performed by the four robots now operating in the province. These surgeries include common surgeries like hernia repairs or more specialized treatments like cancer care and colon, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas surgery.

Dr. Michael Kelly, provincial head of surgery for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said the technology represents, and I quote, “a major advancement in surgical innovation,” which will allow for safer, more precise surgeries to be performed and in some cases will lead to faster recovery for patients as well.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, thank you to the Royal University Hospital Foundation for their recent contribution of 150,000 towards this new surgical system. And thank you to our medical teams working to deliver the best possible health care for Saskatchewan people.

This government will continue to find new and innovative ways to deliver health care to people in this province, unlike the opposition who tried to ban the use of innovative tools like virtual physicians. With the help of a strong economy, we can continue to make investments like these into our health care system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.