WINNIPEG — A recent report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows Manitoba is facing a lingering surgery backlog, a holdover from COVID-19 disruptions.
With more than 40,000 procedures delayed, this figure represents nearly 40 percent of typical annual surgery volumes, translating to the equivalent of five months of lost surgeries.
“It’s troubling to see our province lagging behind most others, as patients wait longer for essential surgeries,” says Dr. Randy Guzman, president of Doctors Manitoba and a vascular surgeon.
“This backlog isn’t just a number. It’s impacting real lives, adding months of pain and uncertainty for patients and families across Manitoba. In many areas, surgical wait times are longer than they used to be or longer than medically recommended benchmarks.”
The report ranks Manitoba as having the second-largest backlog in Canada, surpassed only by Newfoundland and Labrador. While some areas have shown improvement — hip and knee replacement volumes have increased, and 88 percent of hip fractures are repaired within 48 hours — key areas like cataract surgeries and pediatric procedures remain below pre-pandemic levels. The backlog is especially impactful for patients in rural communities and lower-income groups.
Dr. Guzman emphasized the need for a continued push to address the backlog and prepare for the province’s growing, aging population.
View the full CIHI report.
