Changes to Inuit child funding program putting families at risk: health-care workers
Health-care workers in Nunavut are facing a challenging situation as changes to a federal funding program for Inuit children are putting pregnant women in a tough spot. The Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI), launched in 2019 to provide Inuit children with access to essential health and social services within their communities, is facing a funding deadline of March 31.
The ICFI program, which has similarities to Jordan’s Principle, has been instrumental in supporting families who need to travel outside their communities for medical treatment, including childbirth services. However, recent changes in the program’s application process have raised concerns among health-care workers and community organizations.
One significant change is the requirement for a letter of support from a medical professional for non-medical supports such as travel costs, respite care, and child care. This new requirement has led to a decrease in the number of approved applications and an increase in applications being referred for national review.
Health-care workers in Nunavut are worried about the impact of these changes on pregnant women who need to travel to give birth. Without adequate arrangements for their children back home, some women may be forced to choose between their own health and the well-being of their existing children. The lack of proper birthing services in community health centers further complicates the situation, as pregnant women often have to travel to hospitals in larger cities to deliver.
The uncertainty surrounding the approval process for ICFI applications has created additional challenges for pregnant women and their families. Some women have come close to delivering in their communities due to delays in funding approval, while others have had to make difficult decisions about child care arrangements, including leaving children in potentially unsafe environments.
The federal government has urged mothers to continue applying for ICFI support, assuring that each case will be evaluated individually. Minister Patty Hajdu emphasized the importance of provinces and territories fulfilling their responsibility to provide health care services to all residents, including Inuit children.
As the deadline for ICFI funding approaches, it is essential for the government to work closely with Inuit partners to develop a sustainable long-term solution for supporting Inuit children and families. Ensuring access to essential services and proper care for pregnant women and their children is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of Inuit communities in Nunavut.
