Nova Scotia Physician Recruitment Hits Five-Year High, but Gaps in Women's Health Care Remain
Nova Scotia recruited 278 new physicians last year for a net gain of 199 doctors, marking the province's highest recruitment numbers in five years. While the family practice waitlist has dropped by nearly 32,000 people, critics point to persistent gaps in women's health care, including long waits for gynecological services and two current OB/GYN vacancies.
Nova Scotia health officials report that the province achieved its highest physician recruitment numbers in five years, welcoming 278 new doctors last year for a net gain of 199. Of those recruited, 111 were family medicine physicians—a 25 per cent increase from the previous year—and 167 were specialists. So far this year, 126 physicians have been recruited and are practising in the province.
Since 2020, more than 1,000 doctors have joined Nova Scotia. According to the Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons, the workforce has grown by more than 30 per cent over the last three years. Internationally trained physicians account for 40 per cent of all physician recruitment in the province.
These recruitment efforts have coincided with a significant reduction in the number of unattached patients. As of September 1, there were 52,771 people registered on the Need a Family Practice Registry, down by nearly 32,000 compared to the same time last year.
Despite the overall gains and improved access to primary health care, opposition critics highlight persistent gaps in women's health care services. There are currently two vacancies for obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in the province. NDP MLA Lisa Lachance cited constituents waiting months or years for specialized gynecological care, with some facing waits of up to four years.