WHEREAS the medical services in small communities have been gradually eroding to a level that is dangerous to the public health and safety of our residents; AND WHEREAS local governments have a legitimate concern about the public health and safety of their citizens; AND WHEREAS local governments in small communities have neither the mandate nor the tools to rectify the situation: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Health take steps to ensure that the quality of medical services in small communities is returned to, and maintained, at a level that will ensure the public health and safety of our citizens is not at risk; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM support a moratorium on unilateral changes being made by a regional health authority to any health centre or hospital, so that negotiations can find a way to preserve these communities access to 247 emergency services; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provincial Minister of Health initiate an audit of all health authorities to ensure delivery of medical services to remote and rural British Columbians complies with requirements of the Canada Health Act, all appropriate BC legislation and all contractual agreements between the BC government and the health authorities.
Ministry of Health BC is striving towards self-sufficiency for physician supply in rural areas by increasing enrolment in the medical school and by distributing medical education to health regions. BCs approach is to attract the right students to train in the right places - including sites emphasizing rural medicine - so after completing medical education, more physicians will choose to practice in rural communities, similar to where they have trained. Enrollment in medical school has increased from 128 first-year seats in 200203 to 288 first-year seats in 201112. Medical programs are now located in VancouverFraser UBC, Prince George University of Northern BC, Victoria University of Victoria, and Kelowna UBC-Okanagan. By 2020, BC expects to have more than 300 new physicians each year complete their medical education and be ready for independent practice. Today, more physicians are choosing to complete their medical education in family medicine and practice in rural communities. In regard to emergency services, the ministry is working with health authorities to find solutions. BC has made 10 million available through the Rural Enhancement Emergency Fund providing up to 200,000 to communities to help them meet their challenges. The recent master agreement with the BC Medical Association continues the work of the Committee on Rural Issues, which supports access to emergency departments and physicians who establish practices in rural and remote communities. The agreement sets aside 10 million to enhance the supply and stability of physicians in rural and remote communities, as well as access to emergency care.