BURSARIES AWARDED TO MEDICAL AND EMT STUDENTS

Health Minister John Nilson today congratulated 63 Saskatchewan students who were awarded medical and emergency medical technology (EMT) bursaries in exchange for their commitment to work in Saskatchewan.

These students are some of the recipients of more than 500 new and continuing health bursaries announced in the 2003/04 provincial budget. Bursaries for students studying nursing and health sciences were announced this past fall. Students receiving these new bursaries will join 150 other students with ongoing, multi-year bursaries.

This fiscal year, the provincial government is devoting $4 million to support return-service bursary programs in the health field.

"Keeping and attracting key health professionals to urban, rural and northern communities is a top priority of this government, and it is a priority we committed to in our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care," Nilson said. "I am very pleased to recognize the students who have received bursaries to help them pursue careers as health professionals. I believe that investing in our young people through the bursary program is one way to keep them in Saskatchewan after they graduate."

New bursaries have been awarded to 42 Saskatchewan students studying medicine and 21 Saskatchewan students studying emergency medical technology.

Bursaries provide $2,500 per year for EMT students and a range of financial support to medical students and residents. In exchange for these bursaries, students have agreed to work in the province's publicly funded health system upon graduation. Dollar amounts vary for the other health disciplines.

For additional information about the bursary program, please visit our Web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083