Truro—November 6, 2009 – Jim Hnatiuk, CHP Leader and Candidate in the Cumberland – Colchester – Musqoudoboit Valley by-election is concerned by the number of people he has talked to without a family doctor. “The number of people without a doctor in CCMV is just unacceptable,” said Hnatiuk. “I have talked to voters from Stewiacke to Springhill who don’t have access to a family doctor and who are concerned about the lack of specialists. I want voters to know that this is an issue that is very important to me and the CHP.
“Why is it that every election healthcare ranks high as a concern with voters, yet nothing really changes? I have a concrete plan to attract, train, and retain doctors in rural areas. My plan has been well received by doctors, and by a top Canadian physician recruitment specialist, and I know the CHP plan will work.”
To attract doctors the CHP would offer the incentive of paid tuition for doctors who are willing to specialize in family or rural medicine. This incentive alone would attract a significant number of doctors, many of whom currently graduate with up to $200,000 of debt.
This program is similar to that used by the military to attract students to its officer training. Doctors would then have to contract with a local Health Authority to give a specified number of years of service to a rural community.
Another aspect of the CHP’s healthcare plan would be to immediately fund additional residency spaces for graduating doctors. “Because,” said Hnatiuk, “most Canadians would be shocked to learn that although Canada has a severe shortage of doctors, every year students graduating from medical school are forced to leave Canada to complete their residencies elsewhere because there aren’t enough placements for them.
“These are highlights of my plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia—simple and straight forward solutions that I offer to voters in CCMV. No other candidate has put forward a policy to tackle this issue, which will only get worse unless action is taken now,” said Hnatiuk.
To interview Jim Hnatiuk: 902-259-3222
Category: By-Election News
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