The Saskatchewan government says it is adding a new health profession in the province to help with long wait times and stressed hospitals.
The province says it plans to spend $1.3 million this year to create 12 physician assistant positions across the health-care system.
The physician assistants are to work under medical doctors, but would be allowed to do patient exams, prescribe medication and order and interpret tests.
Health Minister Paul Merriman says the assistants are to lower wait times and decrease the length of hospital stays by reducing the workload for doctors.
Saskatchewan’s medical association says it’s supportive of physician assistants as long as they complement care.
Physician assistants are currently allowed to work in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2023.
The Canadian Press
