Liberals promise free tuition for med students
Last Updated: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 | 1:12 PM ET
CBC News
Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil has promised to pay tuition for up to 100 medical students if they commit to practice medicine in under-serviced areas of the province.
McNeil was campaigning in Halifax for the June 9 election when he released his party's promise called "A Doctor for Every Family."
The Liberal leader pledged that if he's elected premier, he would designate 20 seats a year during a five-year period at the Dalhousie Medical School for students who promise to practice medicine for at least five years in communities chosen by the provincial government.
The promise, which will cost $6-million, is the Liberals' attempt to solve the doctor shortage in under-serviced areas throughout the province.
McNeil admitted his solution to the situation is several years away since it takes five years for medical students to graduate. He said it would be better to plan now to ensure the situation improves in the years to come.
"It is a win-win situation for the medical student and families," McNeil told CBC News on Tuesday.
McNeil said his plan would also help keep emergency rooms open since more doctors would be available to cover ER shifts.
