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
Biden delivers remarks following Trump's win
U.S. President Joe Biden delivered remarks to the nation Thursday in what was his first appearance on camera following Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.
New DNA evidence rewrites long-told stories of people in ancient Pompeii
When a volcanic eruption buried the ancient city of Pompeii, the last desperate moments of its citizens were preserved in stone for centuries.
PM Trudeau revives Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee after Trump win
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving a special cabinet committee dedicated to Canada-U.S. relations, following Republican Donald Trump's re-election.
BREAKING 3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation
The world's 10 richest people got a record US$64 billion richer from Trump's re-election
Wednesday wasn't just a good day for Donald Trump. The wealth of the world’s 10 richest people also soared by a record amount, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
Police in southern Mexico find 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway
Police in a southern Mexico region rife with drug cartel violence have found 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway, prosecutors in the state of Guerrero said Thursday.
Video shows suspect shooting man inside Markham, Ont. garage
Police have released video footage showing a suspect shooting a man inside a Markham garage in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon.
Wayne Gretzky, Elon Musk and a few pro golfers: Here's who attended Trump's victory party
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump welcomed a variety of attendees at his victory celebrations in Florida this week, from his family, supporters and political allies to a selection of high-profile figures.
43 monkeys escape from a South Carolina medical lab. Police say there is no serious danger
Forty-three monkeys escaped from a compound used for medical research in South Carolina but the nearby police chief said there is "almost no danger" to the public.