Government putting emphasis on recruiting doctors to rural areas

The provincial government is putting an emphasis on recruiting doctors to rural areas of the province.

A new salaried family physician bonus has been developed by the provincial government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.

The bonuses will range from $11,000 and $17,000. The amounts will depend on the remoteness of the location and will be paid annually.

The eligible locations were determined by an isolation index that takes into consideration factors such as the population of a community; travel time to the nearest emergency room and tertiary care centre; and proximity to the Trans-Canada Highway.