Saskatchewan seeks vendors for virtual primary care pilot

By Your Southwest Media Group

Saskatchewan is looking for companies to deliver virtual health services to residents who lack a regular family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary-care team.

Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill says the initiative reflects what modern technology makes possible. "With the technology and innovations available today, we can provide more convenient options for patients to interact with licensed health-care professionals," Cockrill said in a department statement.

Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said the pilot would reduce travel and wait times. "Every Saskatchewan resident deserves timely access to primary care," she said.

Eligible residents would receive virtual access to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners through secure phone and video appointments. Services would include medical advice, prescriptions, laboratory and diagnostic-imaging requisitions and referrals, until patients are connected with a regular primary-care provider.

Officials expect to select several operators to cover specific areas beginning this fall. The vendor showing the strongest results may be offered a long-term agreement.

The request for proposals is posted on SaskTenders and closes July 24.

The province's throne speech committed to connecting every Saskatchewan resident with a regular primary-care provider by the end of 2028.