North Expected To Benefit From New Doctors’ Deal
Friday, August 11, 2006 at 13:21
A tentative three-year agreement between Saskatchewan’s doctors and the provincial government is expected to have plenty of positive ramifications for the North.
The Saskatchewan Medical Association has given its blessing to a package that includes a 2.8 per cent increase each year in the fees paid for physician services.
Assistant Deputy Health Minister Max Hendricks says the $3.8 million earmarked for the improvement of retention and recruitment programs will also help keep well-trained doctors in the North longer.
As well, Hendricks notes the deal includes funding for new electronic health records in doctors’ offices — an initiative he also feels will be very beneficial in the North.
The ratification vote by the province’s doctors is expected to be completed by September 1st.