Maple Maskawâhtik, a partnership between Maple, Canada’s leading virtual care platform, and the Saa Dene Group, a collective of Indigenous-owned companies which aims to increase authentic Indigenous economic participation, is making healthcare more accessible to Albertans who don’t have a family doctor.
“The pandemic has shed light on the lack of access to primary care, especially for those who don’t have a family doctor, live in rural or underserved areas, or can’t travel,” says chief growth officer, Maple Maskawâhtik, Jauvonne Kitto. “As an Indigenous owned venture, access to care for individuals in rural and remote regions in Alberta is top of mind for us, and we are working to ensure equal access to care for all Albertans.”
“We are committed to working with Indigenous partners to secure economic opportunity through unique and entrepreneurial initiatives like this one at Maple Maskawâhtik,” says Alberta’s minister of Indigenous Relations, Rick Wilson,. “Alberta’s government is committed to a path of reconciliation, shared prosperity and health services and supports that meet the needs of all communities.”
This programme is available via an alternative relationship plan (ARP) from Alberta Health to Alberta residents from 8am to 10pm MST on weekdays. Patients will be prompted to submit their health card number before they are connected with a local Alberta physician through the Maple platform.
“We’re working closely with local Alberta physicians to provide care in this programme,” says chief operating officer of Maple Maskawâhtik, Christy Prada. “We recognize the importance of record sharing and supporting the medical home for all Albertans. By focusing on local doctors and patients without a family doctor, we’re hoping to increase access to healthcare, while creating system sustainability.”
“This is another great tool to help Albertans in rural and remote communities access medical advice and care from the comfort of their homes,” says Alberta’s minister of health, Jason Copping. “The Maple app is not only providing quality healthcare to Albertans, but is providing healthy and safe care during the pandemic, linking people virtually to doctors quickly so as to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Alberta’s government is pleased to support virtual care to Albertans now and into the future.”
Patients can use audio or video to receive healthcare advice, a diagnosis, or prescription. For those looking for care outside these hours or need a sick note, Maple’s regular 24/7 service is still accessible. More information about the program can be found at www.getmaple.ca.
