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The federal government has committed another $5.4 million to a state-of-the-art virtual health centre that is aiming to transform health care for those in rural and remote areas.
The Virtual Health Hub (VHH), currently being constructed on Whitecap Dakota First Nation 34 km south of Saskatoon, is an Indigenous-led health-care organization to deliver real-time remote medical care to rural and northern communities in the province.
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Using virtual care technology, AI, and robotic systems with local health-care teams, patients will be assessed and receive care in real time, in their own communities.
“People that live in remote and rural communities, especially Indigenous communities, have substantial problems getting access to healthcare,” said Dr. Ivar Mendez, CEO of the VHH.
“What the Virtual Health Hub wants to do is bring healthcare to where the person is, rather than the person coming to a centralized location.”
The $5.4 million investment from the federal government is in addition to the $28.2 million Indigenous Services Canada has already invested toward the construction of the facility, which is expected to open in early 2027.
Dr. Ivar Mendez with a robot at RUH in Saskatoon. (Virtual Health Hub/Submitted)
Mendez said the new funding will be used to facilitate the transfer of their office in downtown Saskatoon to the new building in Whitecap Dakota First Nation, and to keep operations going. The VHH currently already provides services to about 18 communities.
“I believe the future of health care is taking shape right here in Whitecap Dakota First Nation through the innovation this community is leading,” said Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services.
“This new model will bring high-quality health services to some of the most remote communities across the province.”
A 2025 report from the Angus Reid institute revealed that over 300,000 Saskatchewan residents lack a family doctor, and roughly 63 per cent of Saskatchewan residents have trouble accessing primary care when needed.
“In rural and remote populations, there is a great barrier to accessing timely healthcare. The outcomes for the people in northern communities are very poor,” said Mendez.
Death from a preventable cause is twice as high in northern Saskatchewan as it is in the southern area of the province, which is a reflection of the lack of timely access to health care, said Mendez.
Once fully operational, the VHH will have the capacity to serve 30 communities, and will support 80 jobs. By 2029, its reach is expected to expand to as many as 90 northern and remote communities.
“I think this will have a significant impact on the people in rural and remote locations. If people need an ultrasounds to see if they have cancer, they will be able to have it in their own community,” said Mendez.
Additionally, Mendez said that when a patient needs to come to a centre for an operation or in-person health care, they will be triaged immediately, rather than having to wait for care. He said that roughly 70 per cent of cases can be treated in their home communities.
In Pelican Narrows, the VHH currently operate a nursing station where a patient will be able to get an initial assessment with the virtual health app, as well as have access to services like robotic ultrasound or remote X-ray.
“It’s an ethical imperative because we really need to put a lot of effort into these communities that are the most disadvantaged and most marginalized, the ones that have been under-served by the system,” said Mendez.
“This is why I’m so enthusiastic and passionate about this project — these are the people that need the help, and we need to bring technology to where it’s needed most.”
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