Over 200 residents gathered Tuesday night at the Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment Centre to support a crucial healthcare initiative spearheaded by Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza. The event, which drew a crowd eager to advocate for an MRI unit in the new Portage District General Hospital, highlighted the community's pressing need for improved medical services.
In an emotional address, Bereza emphasized the importance of community-driven healthcare.
"It's the people here tonight and the 24,000 waiting for an MRI that motivates me."
He called for collaboration across political lines, insisting that healthcare should transcend party affiliations.
"When people get sick, they don't ask about political parties," he noted, stressing the necessity for nonpartisan support for healthcare initiatives.
Many community members shared their stories about needing an MRI, and about the struggles. One of those community members was Judy Jeffries. She shared how her husband Dave had to go out of province to get an MRI because the wait in Manitoba was going too be to long and the strain that it had on them emotionally and financially, having to pay out of pocket for the MRI.
The discussion also touched on the recent address by Premier Wab Kinew at the Chamber Luncheon on Tuesday morning. Kinew toured the new hospital in his recent visit to Portage la Prairie, which Bereza found encouraging. He recalled past challenges, such as the city's Multiplex project, to illustrate that with community backing, significant advancements are possible.
"We need to continue advocating for this MRI; it's about making a difference."
Despite the enthusiasm of the crowd, concerns remain about the timeline for approval. Bereza suggested that political factors could be influencing the delay.
"If we knew the reasons, we would already have an MRI."
As the town hall concluded, Bereza reiterated his commitment to the community, vowing to push for the MRI machine, which he described as essential for enhancing local healthcare services. The event demonstrated a powerful collective voice, and the community's dedication to improving health outcomes in Portage la Prairie.
