About this Guide

Manitoba has a dynamic, vibrant health care system. It changes constantly, keeping pace with the changing needs of Manitobans as well as new discoveries and developments in medicine.

To make the best use of the many health services available to you and your family, you need to know just what those services are, how to find them, and where to get more information.

That’s what this guide is all about. You’ll find a brief overview of our health care system and its services, along with handy contact information so you can learn more about any aspect of health care in Manitoba.

The guide has four sections:

1. “At a Glance” is your quick reference to key phone numbers and emergency information.

2. “Your Health Services” highlights the types of health care services provided through the Government of Manitoba. It explains which services are not covered and tells you how to get health care when you are outside Manitoba.

3. “Your Health Care Rights” tells you about the rights and protections you have as a patient and a Manitoban.

4. “About Regional Health Authorities” Manitoba Health sets standards and finances our health care system. The health services themselves are delivered through eleven regional health authorities, or RHAs. Your local RHA tailors health services to meet the particular needs of your area. A map of the regional health authorities is available at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/guide/4/map.html

You can use the website as a handy reference for the most current information, including changes to services and phone numbers.

There are many health organizations that provide support, education and assistance throughout Manitoba. There are too many to list, but you may want to contact these organizations.  Check with your regional health authority or you can call CONTACT, a community organization that has a comprehensive listing of organizations and groups. They can be reached at 287-8827 in Winnipeg or, toll free at 1-866-266-4636.

Please note that this guide provides general information about the health care system. Specific policies, regulations and laws are briefly explained. The actual policy, regulation or law will be used if there is any disagreement between an explanation in the guide and the policy, regulation or law.

We hope you’ll take the time to let us know how useful this information is to you, and how we can do better, via our online questionnaire.  Please take a few minutes to fill it out and submit it through this website or mail your comments to 1074-300 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 3M9.

4. About regional health authorities: Manitoba Health sets standards and finances our health care system. The health services themselves are delivered through eleven regional health authorities, or RHAs. Your local RHA tailors health services to meet the particular needs of your area. You can find a map of the RHAs, along with contact information, at the end of this guide.