DOCTORS' SETTLEMENT RATIFIED

The government and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) have a new three-year agreement, following ratification of the deal by the province's doctors.

The agreement is designed to strengthen the province's efforts to retain and recruit physicians, thereby improving patients' access to health care services. It includes fee increases of 8.3 per cent on Oct. 1st, 2003, six per cent on April 1st, 2004, and a further six per cent on April 1st, 2005.

The agreement also provides $11.2 million for retention and recruitment initiatives and other programs, building on what is already the most comprehensive set of incentive programs in the country. An additional $9 million will be made available for additions to the physician payment schedule for new items and fees

"Our government recognizes the important contribution our doctors make in providing quality health care, and we recognize the importance of providing fair and competitive compensation," Health Minister John Nilson said. "I believe the fee increases and program incentives contained in this package will strengthen our ability to keep and attract doctors in Saskatchewan - a key goal of our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care."

The mail-in ballots, along with a summary of the agreement, were distributed to all 1,593 practicing members of the SMA in May. Ballots were counted on Thursday, June 12th, 2003 by the firm of KPMG.

"Our members have given us a mandate to implement this agreement and continue our productive working relationship with Saskatchewan Health," SMA President Dr. Joel Yelland said. "We have laid a solid foundation for the recruitment and retention of physicians for this province and for improved access to care for our patients."

Fee and program levels will increase by 25.5 per cent by the end of the three-year contract; however, the increases are being phased in over the course of the agreement, resulting in a 22-per-cent cost to government.

Nilson said the agreement fits within this year's health budget and the future costs will be built into the budget process next year and the year after.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kevin Wishlow Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4088

Marcus Davies Saskatchewan Medical Association Saskatoon Phone: (306)657-4560