Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to a February 22nd editorial about the shortage of physicians in southeast Saskatchewan.
On behalf of the Minister of Health and the government MLAs that represent the southeast, please know that we share your concerns when it comes to accessing timely, consistent physician services close to home.
The Sun Country Health Region and our provincial recruitment agency, Saskdocs, are keenly aware of the challenges facing the southeast with regards to recruiting and retaining physicians. The Minister Responsible for Rural and Remote Health, Randy Weekes, is playing a key role in efforts to stabilize physician services in the short term. Minister Weekes is also working closely with Health Minister Dustin Duncan to identify solutions that will help achieve long-term stability of physician services in the southeast and right across Saskatchewan.
Recruitment and retention of physicians in rural communities is a high priority for this government, and we have a multi-faceted plan to address this issue:
We are training more doctors; undergraduate seats and residency positions have been added at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine.
More medical students and residents are undertaking a portion of their medical training in rural communities.
More international doctors are coming to Saskatchewan through a new assessment process that accepts applications from a wider range of countries.
We are increasing the number of locums who will provide some short-term relief to rural physicians.
We are developing a program to provide student loan forgiveness for new rural doctors, nurses, and Nurse Practitioners.
These efforts are showing results. From 2008 to 2012, the number of physicians practicing in Saskatchewan increased 12 per cent. That means over 240 more doctors are now working in Saskatchewan. However, I understand that this province-wide improvement is not much comfort to communities where progress is slower and the recruitment challenges are more acute, like in Sun Country. We recognize that more work needs to be done.
I assure you that our government hears your concerns, and we remain committed to providing all Saskatchewan residents with timely access to quality medical care.
Brad Wall
Premier
