The Saskatchewan government says it will spend $10 million to help reduce wait times for some surgeries.

The province says the cash will go toward 1,700 additional surgeries that will be performed before the end of March 2020.

The procedures affected include cataracts, hip and knee replacements, gynecological, dental, and ear, nose and throat surgeries.

Health Minister Jim Reiter says the additional money will also help increase the number of some cardiac procedures.

Reiter says the government is listening to people who have been waiting for surgery.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says it will increase surgical hours in hospitals and increase the number of procedures done in third-party facilities.

“I assure you that reducing the length of time people wait for their procedures is a priority for our government,” Reiter said Wednesday in a release.

“We are committed to improving wait times, and this investment is a positive step in that direction.”

The government says most of the extra surgeries will be done in Regina and Saskatoon where some of the longest wait times exist, but others will be performed in Lloydminster, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.

(Canadian Press)