The Saskatchewan government says it plans to increase compensation for doctors offering after-hours care to help people get access to physicians.

The province has announced an agreement in principle with the Saskatchewan Medical Association that will see additional funding available to eligible after-hours urgent care and walk-in clinics.

There will also be an additional $8 to $12 in after-hours funding for fee-for-service family physicians.

Like the rest of the country, Saskatchewan’s health-care system is short-staffed and under strain, and people are struggling to find doctors who are accepting new patients.

The province says in a news release the funding should reduce pressure on emergency rooms while supporting clinics to increase patient access on evenings, weekends and holidays.

Health Minister Paul Merriman says ensuring patients have access to family doctors and primary care services is a top priority for the Saskatchewan Party government.