There hasn’t been a pediatric gastroenterologist in Saskatchewan for a year now. During Question Period, Official Opposition MLA, Jared Clarke spoke about the Zacharay Engen and his family, who visited the legislature on Wednesday. They are the latest family to highlight the need for pediatric gastroenterologists in the province, and also to highlight the out-of-pocket bills that need to be paid because of travelling to places like Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto. Clarke emphasized that along with the need to hire new specialists, the government needs to be able to retain them.

Health Minister Everett Hindley says the Saskatchewan Health Authority is finalizing contracts for two pediatric gastroenterologists. In the meantime, he listed other pediatric specialists who have recently been hired in neurology, psychiatry, oncology as well as an emergency department physician. Clarke responded with his own list, but instead for vacancies including pediatric emergency medicine, allergists, and respirologists among others. Hindley added that the SHA is working hard to fill vacancies, and in the meantime, locums are providing service as much as they can.