PROVINCE AND PHYSICIANS REACH A TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT

The province and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) have reached a tentative four-year contract agreement.

The agreement includes an 11 per cent increase in fees paid for physician services, along with a two per cent market adjustment. The agreement also includes $33 million in special programs that reward physicians choosing to adopt a full-scope of practice, rewarding rural practise, patient-focused care, chronic disease management and improved after-hours access.

"Our government recognizes the vital role physicians play in delivering quality patient care to Saskatchewan residents," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "I am very pleased that we have reached a deal with the SMA that meets our objective of providing fair and competitive compensation - a key element of our physician recruitment strategy."

"It is very encouraging that the provincial government is committing the resources necessary to attract physicians to Saskatchewan and creating the conditions to keep them here," SMA President Dr. Guruswamy Sridhar said. "We now have a tentative agreement that the SMA can present to our members and let them decide if it is acceptable."

The SMA Board of Directors is recommending that members accept the agreement. Nearly 2,000 practising physicians in Saskatchewan are expected to complete the ratification vote by mid-February.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Scott Donaldson
Saskatchewan Medical Association
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-244-2196