Health Minister Peter Jenkins called a press conference this morning regarding the positive investments the government is making to the territory's health care system.

His action followed the Yukon Party MLAs voting down a motion Wednesday that would have given Yukoners more health benefits.

A motion put forth by the NDP provided suggestions on how to better use the $20 million coming to the Yukon over the next three years from the federally-funded Health Care Accord.

NDP amendments on the motion included enriching medical allowances to outpatients, providing funding for medical escorts and looking into providing a full range of kidney dialysis services.

The eight Yukon Party members in attendance voted against the motion. All NDP members and Liberal Leader Pat Duncan voted for it to pass.

'Health care remains a top priority,' Jenkins told reporters this morning.

Gary McRobb, the NDP MLA for Kluane, told the Star today the minister is in 'damage control.'

'I think he's feeling guilty,' McRobb added.

Jenkins said this morning that he wanted to make sure Yukoners are aware of the good things the government is doing for health care.

The present budget provides funding for several health services in the Yukon. They include the purchase of two new ambulances for the Whitehorse General Hospital, $6 million for pharmacare and chronic diseases programs and $300,000 to provide outreach support to families with children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

One of the two new ambulances was supposed to go to Mayo, which is 'desperately' in need of an ambulance, McRobb said. No reason has been provided regarding why there was a change in plans, he added.

'There is always room for improvement in health care delivery,' Jenkins said. 'But overall, we've made great strides in a lot of areas and we feel it is something that Yukoners need to be made aware of it.'

On a per capita spending basis, the Department of Health and Social Services spends more per individual than any other area in the country does, he said.

Jenkins did admit that the Yukon does have work to do in regards to doctor recruitment and retention. However, he said the government is continuing to look into programs to work on those problems.

He added the government is continuing to work at providing solutions and help to individuals without a family physician.

'Our government is committed to providing health services that Yukoners need, where they need them, where it is feasible to do so,' Jenkins said in a press release this morning.

'We haven't got it perfect,' he told reporters.

However, he said he believes as the Yukon continues to move forward on some of initiatives, it will have one of the best health care systems in Canada.