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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

funding by gov't and astrazeneca

New pulmonary function testing program launches for rural and remote areas in Alberta

Oct 10, 2025 | 3:13 PM

Albertans in rural and remote areas, as well as those in Indigenous communities, now have access to a new service able to keep tabs on a person’s lung health.

The service is called Lung Health Check Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), and it was developed by Praxus Health in partnership with Aceso Medical — with funding from AstraZeneca and the Government of Alberta.

The mobile van-style service is one of the first of its kind in Canada, officials said at its launch this week in Lacombe, just north of Red Deer.

This type of testing is available in most larger communities, but often not in those which are on the smaller end, which is exactly the gap this mobile service intends to fill.

“This new service shows what’s possible when partners come together to solve real challenges,” said Theresa Tang, CEO and co-founder of Praxus Health. “Many people in rural and remote areas face limited options for care — this mobile unit helps level the playing field by bringing equitable access to communities across the province.”

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The service will run as a two-year pilot, documenting patient outcomes and experiences to inform its longer-term development.

Access to it comes with a referral from one’s doctor.

“Our team is excited to bring this service to communities across Alberta,” said James Puckrin, operations manager at Aceso Medical. “The van is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and will be staffed by a nurse and respiratory therapist, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care closer to home.”

Officials say one in five Albertans will be diagnosed with a chronic lung condition in their lifetime. Early detection and ongoing care is key, they add.

The new service is projected to complete 1,000 pulmonary function tests per year.

Albertans can learn more at www.lungcheck.ca. A schedule of where the van is going to be is anticipated to become available in the next month.