REGINA — The Government of Saskatchewan is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) seeking vendors to provide virtual care services for patients who do not have a regular family physician, nurse practitioner or primary care team.
This Virtual Care Pilot Project is a joint initiative of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Health, eHealth Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
The pilot will provide eligible patients with virtual access to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners through secure phone and video appointments from the comfort of their homes. Patients will be able to receive medical advice, prescriptions, laboratory and diagnostic imaging requisitions, and referrals as needed until they are connected with a regular primary care provider.
According to Sask. Health, evidence from virtual care programs across Canada has shown that these services can improve access to care and increase patient satisfaction, while potentially reducing unnecessary emergency department visits. Virtual care can also help optimize health care resources, reduce system bottlenecks and support the delivery of the right care, in the right place, at the right time, the ministry states.
Multiple vendors will be selected to provide virtual care services to eligible patients in selected areas of the province starting in fall of 2026. Following the pilot, the vendor demonstrating the strongest results may have the opportunity to enter into a long-term agreement to provide a provincial virtual care solution. The RFP is available through SaskTenders and will remain open for six weeks from June 16 to July 24.
