People accessing health care will benefit from a stronger workforce as the Province further invests in recruitment, retention and training initiatives for allied health and clinical support workers.

Seniors in B.C. will be better protected against abuse as the Province continues to work with partners to further raise awareness and co-ordinated community responses to prevent abuse and neglect.

People living in northern B.C. will benefit from additional government action to deliver needed health-care services when and where people need them.

As part of the Province’s work to make sure British Columbians have access to high-quality primary care, 14 additional internationally trained physicians are beginning to practise in rural and remote communities in B.C. in February and March.

The Practice Ready Assessment program assesses internationally trained physicians for practice in B.C. As part of the program, doctors undergo a rigorous assessment process, spending three months with a B.C. physician who evaluates their skills as they care for patients. Physicians successfully completing the program commit to practice for at least three years in a designated rural community in need.

Health Minister Terry Lake has announced the 73 rural and remote B.C. communities that will welcome community paramedicine, a program that offers residents enhanced health services from paramedics.