Saskatchewan expands healthcare with new nurse practitioner contracts

Saskatchewan has taken a new step to improve access to healthcare. The provincial government has signed its first contracts with nurse practitioners, aiming to bring medical services closer to patients' homes. These agreements will allow residents to receive care faster and without extra charges.

Under the new deals, 19 nurse practitioners can now provide primary care across cities and towns. Each contract costs the province at least £233,000. These professionals will handle tasks usually done by family doctors, such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and referring patients to specialists.

One of the first clinics to benefit is NPower+ Health in Regina. After signing a contract, the clinic is now accepting more patients. The province also plans to add 25 more contracts in the next two months.

The long-term goal is to ensure every resident has a primary health provider by 2028. Officials hope this will reduce pressure on emergency rooms and acute care services.

Patients in Saskatchewan will soon have more options for local healthcare. With nurse practitioners offering free, comprehensive services, the province expects shorter wait times and less strain on hospitals. The expansion of contracts marks a key move toward meeting the 2028 target for universal primary care access.