Province puts out request for proposals to provide virtual care in Sask.

The province is taking a step towards fulfilling its Patients First Health Care Plan by bringing virtual primary care to Saskatchewan.

Th Government of Saskatchewan announced on Tuesday it is issuing a request for proposals to seek vendors to provide virtual care services for people in the province who do not have a regular family physician, nurse practitioner or primary care team.

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In a release, Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the expansion of access to primary care in the province “is about putting patients first and ensuring the right care is available in the right place at the right time.

“With the technology and innovations available today, we can provide more convenient options for patients to interact with licensed health care professionals to receive care,” Harrison said.

The Virtual Care Pilot Project, a joint initiative between Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health, eHealth Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, is supporting the commitments of the Patients First plan and Premier Scott Moe’s Throne Speech to ensure every resident in the province has access to a regular primary care provider by the end of 2028.

Rural and Remote Health Minister, Lori Carr, said every resident in Saskatchewan deserves timely access to primary care.

“This pilot will expand access to care for unattached patients while minimizing travel and wait times across the province,” Carr said.

Through the pilot, eligible patients will gain access virtually to licensed doctors and nurse practitioners from the comfort of their homes, using secure phone and video appointments, according to the province’s news release on Tuesday.

“Evidence from virtual care programs across Canada has shown that these services can improve access to care and increase patient satisfaction, while potentially reducing unnecessary emergency department visits. Virtual care can also help optimize health care resources, reduce system bottlenecks and support the delivery of the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” the release further stated.

According to the province, multiple vendors will be selected to provide this virtual care, in selected parts of the province, beginning in the fall of this year.

“Following the pilot, the vendor demonstrating the strongest results may have the opportunity to enter into a long-term agreement to provide a provincial virtual care solution,” the release said.

The request for proposals is available online through SaskTenders and will remain open from June 16 through July 24.