The Chiropractic Association of Saskatchewan is leaving no stone unturned to save the subsidies that fund their practice. If the subsidies lapse, chiropractors fear that they will lose a number of patients.

To make their grievances known, and in an attempt to save the subsidies, the Chiropractic Association of Saskatchewan has presented a petition with signatures of 20,000 supporters to NDP Health Critic Judy Junor.

Health Minister Don McMorris said that Saskatchewan is the only province that heavily subsidizes chiropractic services, while the other nine provinces do not. He also added, “Chiropractic service is one service that isn't covered under the Canada Health Act. It's a non-insured, subsidized service.”

While the chiropractors and Health Ministry battle out their differences, the general public is apprehensive and disconcerted. If the subsidies are lost, patients would need to pay heavily to avail chiropractic services.

Under the present Government subsidy scheme, the Government covers $12.25 per chiropractic visit while the patient pays $17. If the subsidy is done away with, patients will have to shell out $35 per treatment.

However, Mc Morris opines that there are many health care services which aren’t subsidized. Dentists, physiotherapists and optometrists all continue offering their services and patients persist in availing these.