Liberals have no answers on doctor shortage

Health Minister declined to make recommended changes

HALIFAX – NDP Health Spokesperson Tammy Martin says wait lists for access to a doctor are soaring and the Liberal government still isn’t listening. This morning, Health Minister Delorey declined to make any of the changes outlined by Dr. Ajantha Jayabarathan around physicians’ compensation for using My Health.

“I don’t understand why the Liberals refuse to listen when it comes to health care. They won’t listen to doctors in Halifax, they won’t listen to doctors in Cape Breton. The Liberals refuse to make the changes that health care practitioners keep calling for,” said Martin.

The Health Authority has reported that the number of people on the formal wait list for access to a family doctor has increased by 25% up to more than 33,000 people. Statistics Canada estimates the total number of people without a family doctor at about 106,000 people.

“The Liberals clearly didn’t hear the message from the voters in the last election,” said Martin. "Finding solutions to the doctors’ crisis requires a collaborative approach. Based on his interview our new Health Minister doesn’t seem interested in collaborating with doctors and patients.”

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