News Release Archive
EALTH--PUBLIC ASKED FOR INPUT ON DOCTOR DISCUSSION PAPER ----------------------------------------------------------------- Health Minister Bernie Boudreau began a broad public consultation today with the launch of a discussion paper on physician issues. "Everyone needs a family doctor, and access to specialists in a timely manner," said Mr. Boudreau. "So together, let's figure out how to fine tune the system and give doctors the stability they need to practise in the province." The paper, called Good Medicine: Securing Doctors' Services for Nova Scotians, looks at how the province can provide a stable environment to attract and keep physicians. Some areas for discussion in the paper include: - how physicians are paid; - how education and training of physicians can better match the province's needs; and, - why more focus should be placed on health promotion and illness. The paper includes some suggested solutions that might be appropriate for Nova Scotia. "For too long, talks on physician issues have not been open to public input and debate," said Mr. Boudreau. "That ends today. We are inviting the public to provide us with their opinions and feedback on physician services, a very fundamental part of our health care system." Physicians perform a vital role in the delivery of quality health care, the minister said. Approximately $260 million a year is spent on physician services, or about 20 per cent of the $1.2 billion health care budget. "I encourage all interested Nova Scotians to read the paper and tell us what they think about all the issues surrounding how we pay, train and keep doctors in this province," said Mr. Boudreau. Copies of the paper will be available at public libraries, the Nova Scotia Government Book Store, Halifax (1-800-526-6575) and at Access Nova Scotia sites in Truro, Sydney, Kentville, Yarmouth and Bridgewater. There is no charge for the paper. As well, the paper can also be viewed on the Internet at https://novascotia.ca/heal/good_medicine/ About 2,000 copies of the paper were mailed yesterday to physicians across the province. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Jan. 31, 1997 - 11 a.m.