Saskatchewan Health subsidized more than 5,000 chiropractic treatments for babies and young children last year, but that could soon change.

The Health Ministry has long subsidized chiropractic treatment in the province. In the 2008-09 fiscal year, it paid out $80,921 for the 5,297 chiropractic treatments provided to children less than six years of age.

Negotiations on children's treatments are underway between the government and the Chiropractors Association of Saskatchewan (CAS). Assistant deputy health minister Max Hendricks said the government would like to see some evidence to justify its continuing subsidies.

"The ministry does have some questions about the body of evidence to support chiropractic treatments to children. What we need to do is move to evidence-based care. This is what we're discussing," Hendricks said.

CAS president Shane Taylor said children need chiropractic treatment, just as adults do. He said the subsidy is important for children's care and chiropractors believe it should continue.

Many medical doctors disagree.

"It's unacceptable. It is disturbing that this has been happening," said Edmonton neurologist Dr. Brad Stewart, a University of Saskatchewan graduate.

"The only ones who benefit from treating children are the chiropractors who make money."

Stewart, a vocal critic of chiropractic treatments, said Saskatchewan Health officials have been "bamboozled" into using taxpayers' dollars for child chiropractic treatment.

Pediatricians also have reservations about the subsidy.

Dr. Denis Leduc, a McGill University pediatrician and a past president of the Canadian Pediatric Society, said there's no reason for Saskatchewan Health or any other government agency to subsidize treatments for children.

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