History

Manitoba's health care system is a broad network of services and programs.  Overseeing this system is Manitoba Health, a department of the provincial government.  For the most part, the actual services are delivered through your local regional health authority - one of eleven regional agencies set up by the province to meet the local needs of Manitobans.

The decision to regionalize the operation and administration of health in Manitoba was a major change in the way that health care is planned and delivered.  In this model, the regional health authorities are responsible within the context of broad provincial policy direction, for assessing and prioritizing needs and health goals, and developing and managing an integrated approach to their own health care system.

The Regional Health Authorities Act legislation came into force in 1997.  It sets out the conditions under which the RHAs are incorporated, as well as defining duties and responsibilities of the RHAs and the Minister of Health.  Both parties are responsible for policy, assessment of health status and ensuring effective health planning and delivery.