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First Nations Diagnostics Canada

Closing Healthcare Gaps

Lower Life Expectancy

Life expectancy among Indigenous Peoples is significantly lower than the Canadian average. -Statistics Canada 2023

Increased Patient Care

Some provinces report an additional 200,000 + CT & MRI scans completed during one year.

David Harper, FNDC Co-Founder

"As a FNDC founder & former regional Chief in Manitoba, I am committed to supporting First Nations owned enterprise and national scale solutions to the well documented health gaps facing our people living in rural & remote communities.”

Shared Leadership, Shared Outcomes

Access & Equity. Co-Development. Cultural Safety. First Nation Ownership.

First Nations Diagnostic Canada is committed to closing health care gaps in Canada by co-developing partnerships that improve access to diagnostic, surgical and primary care services for First Nations living in rural and remote communities. 

Surgical Centres

FNDC is working with experienced care professionals, First Nation leaders, health authorities and hospital operators to develop and establish culturally safe and high quality surgical centres that primarily serve First Nation patients from rural and remote communities. 

Mobile Services

FNDC is working with local care providers, First Nation leaders, health authorities, license holders and community organizations to expand access to mobile MRI and CT Centres in rural and remote communities.  

Primary Care

Alongside efforts to expand access to diagnostic and surgical services services, FNDC is working with rural care providers, Indigenous leaders and health authorities to increase access to basic primary care services for rural and remote First Nations. 

 

Key
Facts

Lower Life Expectancy
Life expectancy among Indigenous Peoples is significantly lower than the Canadian average.
Indigenous Services Canada- 2024
First Nations Health Inequities
First Nations experience significantly worse health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous populations. Higher rates of chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and mental health challenges are linked to systemic inequities, including inadequate access to healthcare, poor housing conditions, poverty and food insecurity.
Indigenous Services Canada- 2024
Barriers to Timely Care
25% of First Nations living in remote areas indicated that they had to wait more than 2 weeks to see their regular health care provider, compared to 10% for those living in more urban areas.
Statistics Canada-2023
Infant Mortality Disparities in Indigenous Communities
Infant mortality rates are up to three times higher in some Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Services Canada- 2023
What has been the impact of mobile MRI/CT units in Canada and the United States?

While examples are limited, research suggests the use of mobile/portable imaging tends to be positive when communities help design and govern the program, care is culturally safe (language, staff, space) and programs communicate transparently about purpose and data use.

What has been the experience with First Nations and the adoption of mobile units?

Skepticism and mistrust of the healthcare system persist with First Nation communities that often experience discrimination in health encounters, geographic and financial barriers.

However, research demonstrates that when programs are co-designed with Indigenous partners, evidence points to good uptake rather than avoidance. Examples show strong community participation when services are delivered by trusted local providers and aligned with local needs.

What are some of the common benefits of mobile MRI/CT units in Canada and the US?

Common benefits appear to include:

  • Reduced travel and associated costs for patients, caregivers and health authorities.
  • Improved access and earlier diagnosis in places that previously had no MRI/CT at all.
  • Potential to decompress waitlists at central hospitals when mobile units are used both in rural communities and at larger centres between rural runs.
  • Described as a net contributor to capacity rather than a cause of new bottlenecks.

Have More Questions?

 

         Contact us: info@fndc.com