The provincial NDP is not pleased the Ford government is providing private surgical and diagnostic centres with $155 million.

The funding is to support 35 newly licensed centres that will deliver MRI and CT scans and 22 centres providing endoscopy services.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says the expansion will reduce wait times.

NDP Health Critic Frances Gelinas calls it alarming and unfair.

“Study after study shows that private clinics benefit the wealthiest while leaving the rest of us behind,” Gelinas.

She says the money should go to strengthen public hospitals.

“Instead of strengthening our public hospitals and addressing the staffing crisis, this government is handing over our health care system to private companies.”

The Ministry does not say if any of the money will go to clinics in northwestern Ontario.