Canada's Prime Minister Paul Martin on Monday promised an additional $700 million over five years to combat health problems among First Nations.

At the first-ever ministers' conference on health care, Native health issues were high on the agenda. First Nations leaders cited disparities in the health status of Native people, citing inadequate funding and high rates of diabetes and suicide.

Martin said the money will go to health promotion, disease prevention and an initiative to increase the number of nurses and doctors serving Native communities. The government spends $1.7 billion (Canadian) a year on Native health care.

Get the Story:
Aboriginal heath care front and centre at summit (CBC 9/13)
Aboriginal health care 'shameful,' summit told (CBC 9/13)
Martin presents $700-million plan to improve native health (Canadian Press 9/13)
Canada boosts native health care (BBC 9/14)

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