The Saskatchewan Medical Association and the government are announcing physicians have voted 90 percent in favour of ratifying a new five-year agreement.
Health minister Jim Reiter says in a release from the province Wednesday morning that this positive step will maintain one of the most competitive remuneration and benefits package for physicians in Canada, in order to recruit and retain physicians in our province. It will help ensure that Saskatchewan residents are able to access vital physician services, not only during the current pandemic but into the future.
“Like my colleagues on the SMA Board of Directors, I am pleased that the physicians of Saskatchewan have ratified this agreement,” SMA president Dr. Barb Konstantynowicz said. “This will continue to benefit the practice of medicine and the province’s health system for years to come.
Highlights of the new contract include:
- Continuing to provide for virtual care, following positive feedback from citizens.
- An overall average increase of one per cent annually over the five years from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2022.
- Development of innovative primary care compensation models that align with the province’s Connected Care Strategy and that support family physicians in advancing their vision for a Patient’s Medical Home.
