Ontario to provide life-saving treatment to sick kids affected by US travel ban

"We do it from time to time in different ways, so we're confident we have the ability to provide Sick Kids with whatever support they would need," said Health Minister Eric Hoskins, metronews reported.

Surgeons in the U.S. had approached colleagues at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto--which according to Matet Nebres, a spokesperson for SickKids--had an active international patient program that helped humanitarian cases on need-basis.

"We're fortunate here in Ontario to have such high-quality pediatric specialists and hospitals so we have the technical ability to help and it seemed natural almost. This is what Canada believes in, helping where we can, helping vulnerable children from around the world."

"Given that this is a critical time for these ill children, our ministry and Ontario's specialized children's hospitals, which provide best-in-the-world care feel the responsibility to act quickly," Hoskins said.

Sick Kids, which had received several requests was not sure at that time how many children it would be able to support, said Hoskins.

(Reported by Asha Bajaj, Image of Eric Hoskins: Wikipedia)