Manitoba's doctor shortage getting better, but still needs improvement
More doctors are practicing in Manitoba, but a physician advocacy group says it’s still not enough.
Doctors Manitoba released its annual report Thursday on physician resources in the province.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Winnipeg newsletters
It was compiled using data from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).
The report, titled Physicians in Manitoba (2024), found 133 doctors were hired in the province last year, the largest-ever net gain. It equates to a two percent increase per capita, the highest improvement country-wide.
However, the statistics also show a shortage of 346 doctors remains in the province.
Doctors Manitoba said the province is still in last place in Canada for the number of family doctors per capita.
“One of physicians’ top concerns has been the doctor shortage, because it leads to longer wait times for patients and that causes physicians distress and burnout,” said Dr. Randy Guzman, President of Doctors Manitoba in a press release. “Some of the physicians’ recommendations have been implemented, and we’re finally seeing improvements in doctor recruitment and retention, though this initial progress must be sustained with continued investments and relentless attention.”
The review also found 688 doctors are considering retirement or moving away in the next three years.
Doctors Manitoba said there is a clear need for Manitoba to improve the way it finds and keeps doctors working in the province.
Dr. Guzman said he would like to see a comprehensive review of how to solve the shortage.
“Leaving retention unaddressed risks undermining the improvements we have made in recruitment,” he said.
The review also found Manitoba ranks second last in Canada on physicians per capita, with 219 per 100,000 people. Four years ago, Manitoba used to be ranked fourth.
Manitoba also ranks third last on the number of specialists practicing in the province.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara is thrilled to see these numbers.
“It validates what we’ve already been saying and what we know,” they said. “That when you work together you can solve big challenges.”
Doctors Manitoba recognized a historic new funding agreement for doctors last year, under the PC government, as one factor that has helped address the shortage.
Asagwara said under the NDP administration, 116 new doctors have been hired in the province and that was due in part to the work happening in the newly-established recruitment and retention office.
When asked about doing a focused review Asagwara said the government is always assessing how well its investments and partnerships are doing.
“We’ve been on a listening tour meeting with doctors directly hearing what they have to say,” they said.
Asagwara said the government is already assessing the work it is doing on the doctors shortage to make sure it’s paying off.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
Trump expected to name Marco Rubio secretary of state, reports say
Donald Trump selected U.S. Senator Marco Rubio to be his secretary of state, sources said on Monday, putting Rubio on track to be the first Latino to serve as America's top diplomat.
Northern Ontario teen recovering in hospital after being attacked; ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.
23andMe cuts 40 per cent of its workforce, discontinues all therapy programs
Genetic testing firm 23andMe said on Monday it is reducing about 40 per cent, or 200 employees, from its workforce and discontinuing all its therapies.
'Your body, my choice': Attacks on women surge on social media following U.S. election
Sexist and abusive attacks on women, like 'your body, my choice' and 'get back to the kitchen,' have surged across social media since Trump’s reelection.
Dr. Ronald Weiss, Ottawa's 'Wayne Gretzky' of vasectomies, dies
Dr. Ronald Weiss, who performed nearly 60,000 vasectomies on Ottawa men, establishing him as the "Wayne Gretzky" of the procedure, has died.
Megan Fox is expecting a baby with Machine Gun Kelly
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are expecting to grow their family. Fox announced her pregnancy in a social media post Monday.
Montreal man facing first-degree murder in woman's death; accused was on bail after allegedly threatening her
A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats against his partner is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.
Kitchener, Ont. teen facing 29 charges after serious threats made against schools, businesses and people
A 15-year-old boy from Kitchener, Ont. is facing a long list of criminal charges as the Waterloo Regional Police Service wraps up a lengthy swatting investigation.