Unutilized Assets from a Pandemic Rush
In a hurried response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Canadian federal government invested over $200 million in four custom-made mobile hospitals. These portable units, known as Mobile Health Units, were designed to support overwhelmed hospitals by providing facilities for acute respiratory illness cases. However, despite the significant investment, these units have seen little to no use and are now stored away in controlled environments in Brockville and Chesterville, Ontario.
The initial intent was to have these deployable field hospitals ready as a critical backup. Yet, with the immediate crisis subsiding, the facilities have become a financial burden rather than a functional asset. The government’s rapid acquisition during the early days of the pandemic reflects the urgency of the situation, but the lack of utilization raises questions about planning and expenditure.
High Maintenance Costs for Idle Equipment
The federal government is now spending approximately $7 million this fiscal year just to store and maintain these seldom-used mobile hospitals. This ongoing cost adds to the already hefty price tag of their purchase, drawing attention to the fiscal implications of maintaining such specialized equipment without a clear plan for deployment or disposal.
Stored in specialized facilities to ensure they remain operational if needed, these units represent a significant sunk cost for Canadian taxpayers. The government is exploring options to off-load these assets, potentially transferring them to other jurisdictions or entities that might find use for them, though no concrete plans have been finalized.
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Accountability
As Ottawa seeks to mitigate the financial strain, discussions are underway about how best to handle these mobile hospitals. The focus is on finding practical solutions, whether through sale, donation, or repurposing, to avoid further unnecessary expenditure. This situation highlights the challenges of emergency procurement and the need for strategic foresight in managing such investments.