Province increases funding for rural doctor locum pool

REGINA – The Saskatchewan government is increasing funding for the rural doctor locum pool.

The province will be providing an additional $1.5 million for the pool, bringing the total to $3 million.

Officials say the increased funding will allow every health region in the province to have at least one full-time locum position.

“We are committed to building a 20 physician locum pool to provide additional coverage to rural doctors,” said Health Minister Randy Weekes.

“We want to make sure all Saskatchewan residents have access to physician services.”

Locum physicians temporarily fulfill the duties of doctors who are away from their practice.

Since the program started last year, locum doctors have helped stabilize services in a number of communities including Kelvington and La Ronge.