CONTRACT FOR PHYSICIAN SERVICES SIGNED

Released on February 13, 1998

Health Minister Clay Serby and Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA)

President Rob Weiler today signed a new contract agreement that will

help ensure stable physician services in Saskatchewan.



"This three-year contract is a reasonable and responsible agreement

that will help create a more competitive environment compared to other

provinces," Serby said. "This will make it easier to recruit and

retain physicians, provide greater stability of services and build a

stronger co-ordinated health system."



"I'm pleased that we have been able to achieve this agreement," Weiler

said. "I believe it will help to achieve a more stable and secure

working environment for physicians and also improve patient access to

quality care. It will have a positive effect on our ability to

recruit much needed physicians to the province as well as retain those

who have faithfully served its citizens for many years."



The agreement includes two per cent increases to the physician fee

schedule in 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000.



This agreement will allow for the establishment of a fund to help

offset rapidly rising liability insurance premiums. This insurance,

which physicians are required to carry, is a unique pressure faced by

the profession.



"In the past few years, we have seen medical liability insurance

premiums increase by an average of 66 per cent," Weiler said.

"For example, premiums for physicians who deliver babies rose

from $13,000 a year in 1991 to $29,000 in 1998. These

dramatically higher costs make it difficult for many physicians

to continue to provide necessary obstetrical services.

Establishing this fund will help reduce the negative impact of

these higher premiums."



"It's important that all the partners in the health system

continue to work closely together to provide stable, integrated

and accessible services," Serby said. "This negotiated

settlement is a good example of how we can collaborate with

physicians to improve health services for the people of

Saskatchewan."



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For more information, contact:



Jeff Brown Donna Hjertaas

Communications and Public Director of Communications

Information Saskatchewan Medical

Health Association

Regina Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 787-4088 Phone: (306) 244-2196