The support for physicians in the provincial budget was welcomed by the Saskatchewan Medical Association.

Dr. Eben Strydom said in a media release that the SMA is pleased to see the government recognize the need to address issues around recruitment and retention of physicians and health care workers.

Strydom said the backlog in surgeries and medical procedures will require long term, ongoing planning and funding, and that the funding announced in this week’s budget was a good first step.

Strydom said the SMA looks forward to providing a physicans’ perspective into the formation of an agency dedicated to recruitment and retention of health care workers.