Cataract patients will now receive foldable intraocular lenses free of charge beginning June 4, 2012.

The Province, health authorities and Health Shared Services BC, and B.C.'s federal partners are working together to protect patient care and avoid disruptions during a Canada-wide shortage of certain medications used primarily in hospitals, Health Minister Michael de Jong said.

The Ministry of Health is changing PharmaCare coverage for OxyContin, a medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.

The Ministry of Health is terminating its generic drug pricing agreement with the B.C. Pharmacy Association and the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, effective April 1.

B.C.'s use of lean techniques across the health-care system is significantly reducing patient wait times, increasing efficiency and creating the potential to save millions of dollars that will be directed back into patient care.

The Province has completed a comprehensive review of options for provincially operated meat inspection services at Class A and B licensed abattoirs.

Health Minister Michael de Jong issued the following statement in response to an agreement between the Vancouver Island Health Authority and local anesthesiologists for the creation of 24/7 dedicated obstetrical anesthesiology services at Victoria General Hospital:

A contract has been awarded to the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) for the first phase of a human health risk assessment of oil and gas development in northeast British Columbia.

About a quarter of seniors in residential care in B.C. will now receive up to an additional $600 a year.