Shadow Minister for Health Giulia Jones will put forward a motion in the Legislative Assembly today, calling on the Labor-Greens Government to demonstrate how wait times for endoscopy examinations will be reduced.

Currently, 7200 Canberrans are on the public waiting list for endoscopies, with a median wait time of 519 days.

Mrs Jones said Canberrans should be able to trust the health system to look after them in a timely manner, but sadly this is not the case.

“It has been reported that at least two people in the ACT developed cancer while waiting over a year to get an endoscopy examination,” said Mrs Jones.

“For many on the waiting list this is a delay that will have very serious consequences and the government must take responsibility and do more.

“Endoscopy is an important and preventative measure for many with a history of ulcers and polyps and is vital in the fight against cancer in our community.

“The Labor-Greens Government has clearly dropped the ball when it comes to our health system and they now must explain what they will do to fix this very serious problem,” Mrs Jones concluded.