Manitoba has announced a “bold” plan to hire 100 doctors within a year

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Some believe Manitoba's health care system is on life support, and the NDP is taking “bold” steps to save it.

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In the new government's first budget, they allocated $309.5 million to hire, retain and train staff.

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This includes hiring 100 new doctors over the next 12 months as part of a broader health recovery plan, Prime Minister Wab Kinyu and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced at Grace Hospital on Thursday.

“We are encouraged by the Manitoba government's ambitious commitment to add 100 more physicians by this time next year, which would be a new record for Manitoba,” said Dr. Michael Boroditsky, president of Doctors of Manitoba, in a press release.

“Our province has one of the largest physician shortages in Canada, and that directly affects wait times, access to a family doctor and the ability to see a specialist,” Boroditsky said. “Setting such a bold goal shows a real commitment to change this situation. Achieving something unprecedented requires a true partnership with all players, including doctors, and we are ready to help.”

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Recruiting plays a big role in our healthcare recovery, as well as retention and training. Funding for physician recruitment and medical residency is growing by 38%.

“We're making major investments to close staffing shortages and rebuild our health care system so Manitobans aren't waiting for the care they need,” Kineau said. “Our plan means 100 more doctors on the front lines, in clinics and hospitals across Manitoba.”

“Manitoba has fewer doctors per capita than almost every other province,” Asagwara said. “The people of Manitoba deserve better. Our new government is improving the culture of health care and we will work as a united front with our partners so that Manitobans can more quickly connect with their family doctor, see a specialist and get urgent care when they need it.”

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The Manitoba government says it will hire 1,000 new health workers this year. They plan to achieve this goal through retention, recruitment, new training facilities, simplified licensing for internationally educated health workers, and community recruitment.

While the announcement has ambitious goals, the opposition Tories want the NDP to reveal a more detailed plan.

“This announcement does not include details of specific measures that will attract physicians to Manitoba. Other provinces have clear, specific plans with specific incentives and programs to attract and retain physicians in their provinces,” said MLA Kathleen Cook, PC health care critic. “The NDP is raising taxes and housing costs in Manitoba, including tax increases that directly target doctors. Thanks to the changes made with this NDP budget, Manitoba is now one of the most attractive provinces for doctors in Canada.”

Kinew said Manitoba's affordable housing, cultural opportunities and improving health care culture make Manitoba an attractive place to live and work for doctors, nurses and other front-line health workers.

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