Former CF Surgeon General fought against ‘profound’ health cuts: documents

OTTAWA – The former head of the Canadian Forces health group had to fight tooth and nail last spring to prevent the service from being carved up by“profound” cuts in the Harper government’s deficit reduction drive.

Newly released documents, obtained by The Canadian Press under access to information laws, show Commodore Hans Jung was so alarmed that he appealed directly to senior brass to reconsider eliminating a series of jobs and programs.

On the chopping block were mental health research jobs, dental hygentists and researchers who conduct quality assurance and long-term military health planning.

Planned cuts also included a program that accredits military doctors, as well as a popular program that sees Forces physicians liaise with and support civilian hospitals.

The cuts have apparently been put on hold and officials are looking elsewhere within the health system for “efficiencies.”

New Democrat health critic Jack Harris was dumbfounded by the way the planned cuts were handled, saying the military health service — which has not grown at the same rate as combat arms — should be exempt from any reductions.