REGINA - In light of the recent remarks of family doctors protesting the Government of Saskatchewan’s approach to COVID-19, Opposition Leader Ryan Meili called on the Government to stem the exodus of Saskatchewan physicians and create a health workforce strategy.
“We have doctors and nurses leaving our province because of this government’s failed pandemic mismanagement of our health system,” Meili said. “The figures are alarming. These are the consequences of a provincial government who has ignored the pleas of medical professionals, who feel unsupported and underappreciated.”
Between 2018 and 2021, 82 fewer family doctors are actively practising in Saskatchewan or an 8% decrease. In rural Saskatchewan, things are even worse - 11% decrease over 3 years.
“Wishing our problems away will not address the personnel shortages and service disruptions in Canora, Kamsack, Radville, Unity, Leader, Biggar, Indian Head, Porcupine, Preeceville, Wolseley, Pangman, Carlyle, Central Butte and Broadview health centres we are experiencing today,” Meili remarked. “The exodus of family doctors is only one side of the challenges our health system faces.”
The Official Opposition is calling for the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately plan for the recruitment and retention of family doctors and other medical professionals.
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