The Province has acknowledged calls for a CT scanner on Haida Gwaii but has not committed to bringing the service to the islands.
In a letter to local officials, Health Minister Adrian Dix said the request has been received and is under consideration as part of broader planning for diagnostic services in rural and remote communities.
The letter recognizes the challenges faced by residents who must currently travel off-island for CT scans, often requiring multiple days, flights or ferry travel and overnight stays. It also notes the importance of timely imaging for diagnosing conditions such as cancer, trauma and stroke.
The request builds on a long-running local push led by physicians and community partners to bring a CT scanner to Haida Gwaii, supported by a formal business case and years of advocacy.
Data compiled by local physicians shows the scale of the issue. Between 2019 and 2024, residents made 2,497 trips off-island for CT scans, including 362 urgent transfers by BC Emergency Health Services. On average, more than 400 residents leave Haida Gwaii each year for imaging.
Physicians say the gap in access has real consequences. Haida Gwaii residents receive fewer CT scans per capita than the provincial average, a difference they say contributes to delays in diagnosis and increased risk for patients, particularly in emergencies such as stroke where imaging is required before treatment can begin.
Local estimates suggest a CT scanner on Haida Gwaii could handle 800 to 900 scans per year and reduce urgent patient transfers by up to 40 per cent, while also lowering overall system costs.
However, the province stopped short of committing to the project. The letter states that decisions on new CT scanners depend on several factors, including population needs, availability of trained staff and the strength of a formal business case.
It is not yet clear when a decision could be made or whether the project will advance to the next stage of review.
The proposal has become a central issue in ongoing discussions about healthcare access and equity for rural and remote communities in British Columbia.
