A national report saying Saskatchewan is losing twice as many doctors than it is gaining has the NDP questioning the Sask Party’s ability to recruit and retain physicians.
According to the report by the Canadian Institute of Health Information, Saskatchewan lost 46 physicians to other provinces in 2009 while only gaining 23 back.
The NDP argues the lack of a fair and competitive contract is serving as a strong message to doctors in the province – you are not wanted. They have been working without a contract since April, 2009.
“The doctors are saying that doctors aren’t going to come here, doctors aren’t going to stay here if they don’t have a contract,” Opposition Health Critic Judy Junor said. “It’s about respect and being valued.”
Health Minister Don McMorris says he has rarely heard contract talks as a reason for doctors leaving. He refutes the numbers from the CIHI report, saying there are more doctors working in the province than 2007.
“I’ve been told that we have a six per cent increase in rural Saskatchewan and an eight per cent net increase in urban Saskatchewan of physicians practicing since 2007,” McMorris said.
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