Understanding Manitoba's Health Care System
Manitoba's health care system is provided by a variety of organizations, including five regional health authorities, one provincial health authority (Shared Health), the department (Manitoba Health), and the provincial cancer authority (CancerCare Manitoba). Most direct services provided to residents are delivered through the health authorities and over 100 other service providers.
Some health services are 100 per cent covered by public insurance, as they are considered insured health services under the Canada Health Act. These insured services include medically necessary primary care and hospital care. Manitoba, like other provinces and territories, provides additional coverage for some other programs. For more information, please visit The Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan.
Manitoba Health is the department within the Manitoba government that guides the planning and delivery of health care services throughout the province. The department operates under the provisions of the legislation and responsibilities of the Minister of Health.
The Minister of Health provides leadership and policy direction
- for the renewal of the health system and the delivery of a comprehensive range of health and health care services for Manitobans, and
- in the development of a comprehensive approach to enhance and improve the health and wellness of Manitobans.
The Deputy Minister of Health supports the Minister of Health in their role, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department and successful delivery of whole-of-government initiatives.
Department Responsibilities
Manitoba Health strives to ensure Manitoban patients, families, and seniors have access to quality, timely health care wherever they live through a health care system that is sustainable and accountable.
Manitoba Health is responsible for:
- policy, planning, funding and overseeing the health-care system
- administering insured health care benefits for Manitoba residents
- issuing Manitoba Health cards
- administering the Pharmacare drug benefit program
- administering ancillary programs, which have specific eligibility criteria
- co-ordinating public health programs and services
- managing the operations of provincial nursing stations
To provide high-quality, comprehensive care to Manitoba residents, Manitoba Health also works closely with other government departments, particularly:
- Manitoba Mental Health and Community Wellness
- Manitoba Seniors and Long-term Care
The Health System Governance and Accountability Act establishes seven health authorities in Manitoba. These include five regional health authorities, one provincial health authority and one cancer authority.
Regional Health Authorities
Manitoba's five regional health authorities are responsible for planning, administering and delivering health services within their geographic areas. These include:
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority | Churchill
- Northern Health Region
- Prairie Mountain Health
- Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority
- Southern Health-Santé Sud
To find your regional health authority, visit: RHA Finder
Provincial Health Authority
The provincial health authority, Shared Health, is responsible for specific provincial-wide health services including:
- Health Sciences Centre (HSC) (located in Winnipeg)
- Selkirk Mental Health Centre (SMHC) (located in Selkirk)
Cancer Authority
CancerCare Manitoba is the provincially mandated authority responsible for administering and delivering health services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
