Audit Confirms Previous Government’s Lack of Provincewide Planning as Manitoba Advances Dialysis Reforms

Press Release

January 22, 2026

A new report from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) highlights the need for co-ordinated, provincewide oversight of dialysis services in Manitoba, work that the Manitoba government has already begun advancing to improve patient care, accountability, and long-term sustainable kidney care for patients and families, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Dialysis is life-sustaining care, and it requires strong provincial co-ordination to ensure patients receive safe, timely treatment no matter where they live,” said Asagwara. “The OAG’s report examines a period marked by system strain and years of fragmented planning under the previous government. That was the reality we inherited. Since forming government, we have moved quickly to put proper structures in place, expand access to dialysis closer to home and build a system that is safer, more co-ordinated and focused on patient outcomes.”

The report examined dialysis care delivery between April 2022 and March 2024. The OAG’s recommendations align with work already underway across Manitoba’s health system to improve patient care, accountability and long-term sustainable kidney care for patients and families, the minister noted.

Since 2024, the Manitoba government has established a provincial kidney health planning subcommittee, implemented standardized policy and procedure review processes, expanded education and training for kidney health staff, and strengthened supports for home-based dialysis. These efforts are focused on improving patient outcomes, clarifying accountability, and ensuring dialysis services are delivered as efficiently and equitably as possible, the minister said.

Recent investments, including expanding dialysis services in Norway House Cree Nation, reflect the Manitoba government’s commitment to addressing long-standing gaps in access to care, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities, while reducing the need for patients to travel far from home for treatment, the minister noted.

The Manitoba government will review the recommendations from the report in full and continue working with Shared Health, regional health authorities, Kidney Health Manitoba and community partners to strengthen dialysis services across the province.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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