Nova Scotia Need for Family Physicians Rising as Waiting List Increases to 78,000 – Halifax | The Canadian News

The progressive conservative government’s predictions of a growing shortage of family physicians in Nova Scotia are being borne out by recently released figures.

The list of people waiting for family doctors increased to a record 77,696 names as of October 1, a 60 percent increase from the 48,812 people on the list at the same time last year.

Part of the Conservatives’ campaign promise to reform the health care system included addressing the physician shortage, and they pledged to invest tens of millions of dollars to reverse the continuing exodus of family physicians from the system.

Figures released by the Health Department indicate that the problem is growing, with about eight percent of the population now on the provincial list, compared to about five percent a year ago.

Prime Minister Tim Houston has said that health care issues are his top priority, with a shortage of doctors high on the list.

During the summer election campaign, Houston pledged to create a physician pension plan and increase recruitment efforts.

This Canadian Press report was first published on October 12, 2021.