REGINA — Physicians can apply for funding from a $10 million pool of money earmarked for improving patient care and physician work-life balance, according to a Sask Health press release.
The $10 million Innovation Fund is a component of the four-year SMA contract, ratified in February 2024, and will be available annually for the duration of the agreement.
The Innovation Fund will support physician-generated ideas that will deliver better access to primary care in the province.
Key objectives of the Innovation Fund are to:
- Improve patient access and quality care within clinics through team-based supports;
- Improve physician work-life balance within funded clinics to support provincial recruitment and retention efforts; and
- Strengthen collaboration between successful Innovation Fund applicants and resources within the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
"The Innovation Fund will have a significant impact on the practice of family medicine in Saskatchewan as care evolves to a team-based model," SMA president Dr. Andre Grobler said.
"Working every day within the health system, family physicians have ideas on innovations and initiatives that will improve their practice and the care they are able to provide their patients."
"When I have spoken to physicians, they have expressed to me the significance of the Innovation Fund and how it will improve health care for both doctors and patients," Health Minister Everett Hindley said. "Physicians can use this funding to fuel their creativity and help improve patient care through a team-based model."
All applications for funding will be reviewed by a committee.
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) partnered to establish the Innovation Fund supporting the development of family physician-led, team-based health care clinics in communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Family physicians looking for more information on how to apply can visit: .
