Released on July 28, 2015
A new four year contract has been ratified by Saskatchewan physicians.The contract agreement covers the period April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2017. Approximately 90 per cent of physicians voted in favour of the agreement.
“This agreement represents a fair and competitive compensation package for the growing number of physicians in our province,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. “It demonstrates the shared commitment of government and physicians to improve access to care for Saskatchewan residents.”
“The physicians of Saskatchewan are focussed on improving the quality of patient care and this agreement will allow us to continue those improvements,” SMA President Dr. Mark Brown said. “This agreement recognizes the evolving nature of practicing medicine in Saskatchewan. Given the current fiscal circumstances, the agreement provides a modest increase in fees and maintains a strong foundation to continue improving quality and access in the health care system.”
Over four years, the agreement provides physicians with a total fee increase of 4.9 per cent, along with 3 per cent in one-time lump sum payments. As a result of the agreement, funding for medical services and programs will increase by approximately $85 million over the four year agreement.
The agreement provides investments in programs to support increased patient access to medical services, best practice and standardized care. As well, it continues a strong emphasis on rural Saskatchewan and supports overall success in recruiting and retaining physicians in the province.
“This agreement recognizes how much we value the significant contributions of physicians to Saskatchewan’s health system, and will help maintain our competitiveness across Canada,” Duncan added.
More than 2,200 physicians are licensed to practise in Saskatchewan – an increase of 27.7 per cent or 482 doctors since March 2007.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: (306) 537-3594
Dallas Carpenter
Saskatchewan Medical Association
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 657-4567
Email: dallas@sma.sk.ca