The Saskatchewan NDP says the provincial government’s Administrative Information Management System is not only delaying payments for physicians across the province, but the cost of the program has tripled from $86 million to an estimated $240 million.

Earlier today, the NDP released a leaked SHA letter, revealing that AIMS is withholding payments from doctors in all Saskatoon emergency rooms, and possibly elsewhere.

The letter states that a small number of physician payments have been delayed, and an AIMS physician payment task team is working on the issue. Opposition Leader Carla Beck says this isn’t the first time AIM has caused chaos, as nurses, autism interventionists, and other healthcare workers have had their payments delays before.

“The healthcare workers who leaked the letter say the late payments have affected doctors in all Saskatoon emergency rooms, have understandably lowered morale, and has caused even worsening chaos in our healthcare system.”

Health Critic Vicki Mowat says last year, the Provincial Auditor recommended that AIMS be investigated, as it was causing chaos then, as well.

“What’s clear to us is that the AIMS system was supposed to cost a third of what it costs right now. The Auditor points out that there wasn’t an expansion of scope in the AIMS scope, so there’s a real question there about what’s happening with taxpayer dollars.”

The Official Opposition calls on the Sask. Party government to investigate AIMS, as there has been a lack of transparency on the issue for far too long.