I am pleased to present the Ministry of Health's Plan for 2012-13.

The Government's Direction and Budget for 2012-13 are built around Keeping the Saskatchewan Advantage, supporting sound economic growth so that prosperity can be shared across the province.

Our government is committed to improving access to a health system that provides Better Health, Better Care, and Better Value for Saskatchewan people. As we move forward on our transformation agenda in health care, we will be guided by our commitment to putting the Patient First as we modernize our system for the future.

That transformation agenda includes a series of bold targets and innovations to signal our commitment to improving access and health system quality in areas like emergency room waits, complex care, mental health, seniors' independence, safety, and quality. We will invest significantly in primary health care to ensure access to care, especially in rural and underserved populations. We remain on track and committed to providing sooner, safer, smarter surgical care in Saskatchewan. By building safer and more supportive workplaces committed to patient- and family-centred care, we will enable the development of Better Teams.

We are making carefully considered strategic decisions to ensure that health services are stable and sustainable into the future for the next generations. I look forward to furthering our Government's commitments in 2012-13 and I remain committed to reporting on progress made toward this plan, within the financial parameters provided, in the Ministry's annual report.

The Honourable Don McMorris
Minister of Health