Comparing the Yukon's health care system to what's provided in the Northwest Territories is like comparing apples to turnips, says the territory's minister of Health and Social Services.

Peter Jenkins made the comment in the legislature Monday afternoon during question period.

Kluane MLA Gary McRobb had questioned him on travel allowances for Yukoners forced to go Outside for medical treatment. McRobb noted the federal government has provided $75 million to the three territories to assist with medical travel over the next five years.

'Why won't the health minister share some of that windfall with Yukon outpatients who are forced to spend their own money for accommodation, meals and transportation?' McRobb asked.

Jenkins argued the money from Ottawa is going to a number of initiatives in the Yukon.

'That said, the equation that the member opposite is working on, as I said previously, is comparing apples to turnips,' he said.

Jenkins added the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) recently closed the hospital in Inuvik and centred operations in Yellowknife. There have also been arrangements made between the N.W.T. and the health authority in Edmonton to send patients there when required.

'They've actually gone to the extent of leasing apartments and housing people in need of medical care,' Jenkins said. 'On the other hand, the Yukon has gone the other way. We've upgraded our system of specialists here and we've enhanced our health care delivery right here in the Yukon.'

Following question period, Jenkins noted to reporters the territory recently had a team brought in to do a number of knee replacements rather than sending patients Outside for the surgery.

'We're looking at continuing that system and expanding on it,' he explained. 'So what we're doing is we're bringing in the specialists here and undertaking various procedures.'

Just how often such specialists visit the territory will depend on the need.

'What we do is develop the needs as to the number of individuals that need the procedures,' he said.

'And then as soon as that is at the level, then we contact or have a schedule developed that sees this health care provider visit the Yukon and undertake these procedures.'

At the same time, the Yukon's list of specialists in the territory has also grown, he said, noting a heart specialist is here.

While a fundraiser brought in the money to also purchase new heart equipment at Whitehorse General Hospital, Jenkins said the government is paying for a lot of its operations.

Although Jenkins pointed to initiatives underway in the territory, McRobb continued to wonder what happens to those patients who still have to travel Outside for medical attention.

'I didn't just fall off the turnip truck,' said the New Democrat. 'Why should Yukon outpatients not get the same deal as counterparts in the Northwest Territories?'

McRobb noted that since the length of medical trips for Yukoners is usually three days or fewer, nothing is contributed toward expenses incurred.

'There is a difference in the systems and how health care is delivered in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon,' Jenkins reiterated. 'We are not at a point where we have to send as many people outside of the Yukon for medical attention as the Northwest Territories does.'

Similarly, Nunavut must send many people out for treatment with its population of 30,000 and only nine doctors.

'They have a different system in place, as does the Northwest Territories and the Yukon,' he said.

McRobb then pointed ot the government's support for miners in paying thousands of dollars in travel expenses for miners to attend the Cordilleran Roundup in Vancouver.

'What does a Yukon outpatient have to do to get recognized by this government buy a mining claim?' he asked.

For Jenkins, the issue came back to addressing health issues in a different way than the N.W.T. or Nunavut do.

'Again, the member opposite is not comparing apples to turnips; he has some other fruit or vegetable there in the equation,' Jenkins said.

More funds have been put into health care in the territory than ever before, he added.