Recruitment and retention of physicians a priority

Health and Community Services Minister Julie Bettney said approximately $11 million has been allocated in Budget 2001-2002 to continue government�s efforts to recruit and retain physicians.

"Government recognizes the importance of recruiting qualified physicians to Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Bettney. "Government will spend $1.5 million to recruit new salaried physicians to fill positions which are currently vacant."

Minister Bettney said a further $7.8 million will be invested in 2001-2002 as part of government�s commitment under the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Boards Association (NLHBA).

"The bulk of this funding will be used to provide increases to salaried physicians, general practitioners and specialists," said Minister Bettney. "With this year�s investment, government will have contributed an additional $45 million for physicians since the MOU was signed in 1998."

The budget allotment includes $1 million to provide on-call payments to salaried physicians. Government�s recruitment efforts also include practice incentive grants, bursaries and travelling fellowship grants.

Minister Bettney said the Physician Resource Planning Committee has developed a draft physician plan and will be consulting with regional boards, medical administrators and physicians. It is anticipated that by the end of this year, a final plan will be ready for public consultation.

"We recognize the importance of recruiting and retaining physicians and we have taken measures to address this issue," said Minister Bettney. "We are continuing to work with the NLMA and the health boards association to identify areas where recruitment efforts can be enhanced."

Media contact: Carmel Parsons, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2001 03 22              4:15 p.m.