The provincial government and Doctors Manitoba have reached a tentative agreement for physician services.
The agreement sees $268 million for physician services over four years that will see increased funding for specialty and hospital services to help attract more physician coverage for inpatient and emergency department care, and more resources to address surgical and diagnostic backlogs. New recruitment and retention incentives for rural hospitals and remote First Nation communities is also included in the funding.
Doctors will also see permanent funding for virtual visits as well as a new visit type for family physicians and paediatricians for patients with more than one medical concern during a visit.
The Physician Services Agreement covers fees paid to doctors and funding to operate medical practices, including costs for staff, equipment, supplies, clinic space, and other expenses. The tentative agreement also includes increased funding with market adjustments and a special retention payment in the first year, followed by compounding two per cent annual general increases in the three remaining years of this agreement, which will expire on March 31, 2027.
“The new Physician Services Agreement focuses on improving access to health services across the province by recognizing the devotion and professionalism of Manitoba physicians, while ensuring they are trusted and respected partners in health system improvements,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon.
The new agreement still needs to be ratified by physicians in Manitoba which is expected to happen by August 14, 2023.
