Saskatchewan has launched what it calls an aggressive health human resources action plan.

The government’s goal is to add over 1000 professionals to the health system.

Health care workers will be recruited over two years from abroad and newcomers interested in working within the health care sector. There will be a healthcare recruitment mission to the Philippines this fall and a Memorandum of Understanding is in the works with the Government of the Phillipines to recruit Filipino healthcare professionals.

A call is going out to international health care professionals in the province. As well,150 nursing seats have been added in Saskatchewan’s registered nursing, registered psychiatric nursing, and nurse practitioner education programs.

A new incentive program is being launched which will provide up to $50,000 over three years for a return-of-service agreement for hard-to-recruit positions mainly in rural and remote areas.

The government also offers financial incentives  such as loan forgiveness programs, bursaries and supports to those interested in a health career within Saskatchewan.

Across the province, 100 new permanent full-time positions will be added and 150 part-time positions will be converted to full-time permanent positions for high-demand professions in rural and remote areas.

The SHA will work with partners to develop a First Nations and Métis recruitment and retention strategy.