Big Island Lake May Lose Only Doctor

Big Island Lake May Lose Only Doctor

Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 14:16

The Big Island Lake Cree Nation could be losing its only regular doctor.

According to a report in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, Dr. Raj Natha may move back to Africa is his wife is not allowed to come into Canada.

The report states she was denied access because she supplied inaccurate information about her employment status on her passport.

An official with the Big Island Lake health department says she hopes the government will work to remedy the situation.

Anita Pooyak says Dr. Natha is the band’s only regular physician, and the community can’t afford to lose him.

Pooyak says the only other doctor they sometimes see is based in Loon Lake, and she’s not sure if any others can be brought in.

She notes band members already are forced to travel to Alberta for various treatments.