The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) along with the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (SANP), in partnership with Rural Municipalities (RMs), is highlighting the severe health-care dilemma facing rural areas in Saskatchewan.
There’s a pronounced lack of healthcare personnel in these regions, posing serious obstacles for locals in need of medical services. To combat these health care deficiencies, SARM urges the government to implement immediate actions to relieve the burden on current health-care infrastructures.
Concerns Regarding Rural Healthcare (Credits: CTV News Saskatoon)
A key proposal includes leveraging the skills of Nurse Practitioners and reinstating initiatives like the Grow Your Own Nurse Practitioner Program. This program aims to educate and place Nurse Practitioners within rural settings.
Johanne Rust, president of the Rural Nurse Practitioner Association, believes that impactful changes can be achieved swiftly. SARM concurs, citing health care as a paramount concern among its members.
Ray Orb of the association points out that the vast distances between hospitals and clinics in rural areas underscore the need for more accessible health care options, where residents can receive immediate assessment, referrals, and on-the-spot health care services.
Despite the announcement of the Grow Your Own Nurse Practitioners initiative in April 2014, it has yet to be realized. The Ministry of Health has offered incentives such as student loan forgiveness and relocation grants of up to $40,000 over five years to attract practitioners.
The ministry has also stated its commitment to amending regulations to broaden the scope of practice for nurses, aiming to make Saskatchewan an appealing location for nursing professionals.
Nevertheless, Rust highlights the ongoing issue of health-care professionals leaving Saskatchewan for opportunities elsewhere, stressing the urgency for the government to provide attractive options for local practitioners to retain them.
Rust is hopeful for the government’s decisive action on rural health care and the development of long-term solutions for communities lacking sufficient services. Through their advocacy, SARM seeks to guarantee that rural inhabitants receive the critical health care services they need.
