Doctors Manitoba worried U.S. tariffs could spike price of vital medical supplies

Amid ongoing tariff threats, Doctors Manitoba is looking for ways to reduce the impact on the health-care system

The advocacy body representing thousands of Manitoba physicians warns any economic response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs should not divert funds away from the beleaguered health-care system.

The advice was part of an action plan released by Doctors Manitoba to respond to potential trade tensions.

Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Randy Guzman said the organization is speaking out about the economic issue because it could impact patient health.

“We all want to help as doctors. When the pandemic crisis hit, Manitobans were here for doctors and now as Manitoba faces a potential economic crisis, doctors are here for you.”

The organization surveyed physicians about the lingering tariff threat, finding 95 per cent of respondents are concerned about the impacts of possible tariffs. Sixty per cent worried about the impact on patient well-being, and 54 per cent were concerned about reduced health-care funding.

Alongside the findings, Doctors Manitoba issued advice aimed at ‘tariff-proofing’ the health-care system.

Among the recommendations—ensuring the cost of supplies sourced from the U.S. aren’t increased in a potential tariff war and maintaining health-care funding.

Doctors Manitoba said it is also pitching in by extending its American recruitment campaign, amending its practices to prioritize buying local whenever possible, and asking physicians to find American supplies and equipment that could be vulnerable to price increases.

“I’m a vascular surgeon, so my question is—what about my stents and grafts and balloons that we use? All those devices are potentially at risk. Which ones are supplied by the U.S. and which ones are not? So I think we still need to clarify.”

The plan comes amid weeks of threats by President Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods if both countries fail to clamp down on illegal fentanyl and drugs being smuggled into the United States.

In a Truth Social post Thursday, Trump said he plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting Tuesday, in addition to doubling the 10 per cent universal tariff charged on imports from China.

- With files from the Associated Press