Officials say N.S. had ‘most successful’ year for doctor recruitment, but gaps in care remain
Officials in Nova Scotia say efforts to bring doctors to the province have been working, citing last year as a record year for recruitment.
Nova Scotia officials claim last year was their most successful for physician recruitment. Katrina Philopoulos, director of Nova Scotia Health's physician recruitment, stated that the province welcomed 278 physicians, including 111 family medicine doctors—a 25% increase from the previous year—and 167 specialists, resulting in a net gain of 199 doctors.
Internationally-trained physicians make up 40% of the total recruitment. Philopoulos emphasized that these outcomes are due to a deliberate strategy, sustained investment, and strong partnerships across the healthcare system.
However, critics argue that there are still gaps in the healthcare system, particularly in women's health. NDP MLA Lisa Lachance mentioned numerous emails expressing concern over the long wait times for gynecological care, stating that many individuals may not be able to have children in Nova Scotia due to these delays. The province currently has two vacancies for OB/GYNs, and Kathleen DeCoste, senior executive director of the province's Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, said the government is addressing these issues.
DeCoste highlighted that the government is reviewing the numbers, wait times, and the needs of Nova Scotians to plan accordingly for the system's requirements. As of September 1, there are 52,771 names on the doctor waitlist, a decrease of over 1,800 people from the previous month.
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