A new report by Doctors Manitoba found the province had a bigger net increase in physicians last year than ever before.
The net gain of 133 doctors surpassed the previous high of 83. There are 219 doctors per 100,000 residents — a 2 per cent increase that was the highest in any province, the advocacy organisation said in a news release.
“Manitoba has a shortage of 346 doctors, a major shortage but a significant improvement from the record shortage of 445 doctors last year,” the release said.
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Dr. Randy Guzman says ‘this initial progress must be sustained.’
The organization’s president, Dr. Randy Guzman, said shortages lead to stress and burnout.
“Some … recommendations have been implemented, and we’re finally seeing improvements in doctor recruitment and retention, though this initial progress must be sustained with continued investments and relentless attention,” he said in the release.
The report noted Manitoba ranks last for family doctors per capita, second-last in terms of total doctors and third-last for specialists.
The report also noted that 688 doctors — 20 per cent — are considering retiring or moving away in the next three years.
“Leaving retention unaddressed risks undermining the improvements we have made in recruitment,” Guzman said in the release.
Doctors Manitoba’s 2024 survey included responses from 1,145 licensed doctors — a 35 per cent response rate. That is equivalent to a margin of error of plus or minus two per cent, 19 times out of 20, the organization said.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca