File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Stephanie Swensrude

FAMILY DOCTOR SHORTAGE

Kamloops council to explore financial incentives to recruit family doctors

Jun 14, 2022 | 2:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — One-million British Columbians are without a family doctor and, in the Kamloops area, there are 6,000 people on the 8-1-1 government waiting list for a doctor. To recruit and retain family doctors, Kamloops city council will explore financial incentives.

Representatives from the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation visited council Tuesday (June 14) to discuss a municipal strategy and campaign to address the shortage.

The delegation to council included a representative from the Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society (STEPS) clinic, Christine Matuschewski. She said their business model has resulted in around 15 doctors setting up shop in town.

They offer a variety of incentives to new and existing family doctors: they help find daycare, housing and a place to run their practice. They also make sure to give vacation time and tour the area to highlight recreational opportunities.

Speakers also mentioned incentives that other cities use to attract and retain physicians. Fort Nelson, B.C. pays for the rent and utilities of new doctors for a year and Belleville, ON offers $150,000 for student loans to new doctors who commit to working five years in the community.

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The delegation asked council to consider a physician incentive program and a revitalization tax exemption (RTE) program for practices, similar to the one approved in January for new daycares.

City staff will explore the options and report back to council in September.