Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid issued the following statement today in response to an audit report from the Office of the Auditor General, which examined a government service delivery contract with MAXIMUS BC.

"I welcome the report and guidance from the Office of the Auditor General. The Ministry of Health has worked closely with the Office of the Auditor General throughout the audit process and has been kept aware of the findings.

"We agree with all the recommendations made by the Office of the Auditor General as they will help the ministry tighten its monitoring and management functions. For example, the ministry is working with its contracted auditor to put in place the controls necessary to ensure that the ministry continues to receive the services outlined in the original contract.

"The reason government entered into a contract with MAXIMUS BC was to deliver better service levels for the public and health providers by modernizing the administration of MSP and PharmaCare.

"Since 2005, MAXIMUS BC, operating as Health Insurance BC, has modernized the call centre technology, Medical Services Plan claims system and PharmaNet, and is on track to replace the registration system within the next two years.

"Overall, government has been extremely satisfied with the work of MAXIMUS BC on improving the administration of MSP and PharmaCare, and strengthening privacy and security. And, we are pleased that the report from the Office of the Auditor General found improvements have been achieved.

"Government are always looking for ways to better quantify and build on these improvements. This report will help us do that."

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)