Ontario MPP says OHIP coverage for prostate cancer testing will save lives [Video]

An Ontario politician is renewing calls on the government to cover the cost of “lifesaving” prostate-specific antigen testing for all residents under the provincial health plan.

NDP MPP Wayne Gates held a news conference on Monday to reintroduce a motion asking the Ford government to cover the cost of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests through the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) when referred by a healthcare provider.

“We know that early detection can save lives. In fact, when detected early, nearly 100 per cent of the men with the disease will survive five years or longer,” Gates told reporters on Monday. “That’s why we are working so hard to pass the motion to pass my motion to have OHIP cover the cost of the PSA testing when referred to by a health care provider. This is common sense.”

Ontario is one of the only provinces in the country that does not …