The Interlake Regional Health Authority says help is on the way to deal with the town of Arborg's physician crisis.

More than 200 of the town's 1,000 residents held a rally Tuesday at the local hospital to draw attention to their concerns.

The town's last remaining doctor is taking a holiday, citing burnout from the long hours and heavy workload. Normally, the area would have four doctors on staff.

Pat Ayelson, one of the protesters, says there must be a way to solve the town's chronic shortage of doctors.

"Possibly the regional health authority or the province of Manitoba has to put more money into recruiting, and maybe different avenues," she said. "Like, maybe they have to spend more time and energy in retaining our doctors."

Kevin Beresford, CEO of the Interlake Regional Health Authority, says his organization is working to get more doctors into town – and the first one will arrive Thursday.

He says the health authority will place at least two more physicians in Arborg in the spring, but they must first be certified to work in the province.

"We've identified Arborg as a priority. That's where these people, if they are successful in writing their qualifying exams, that's where they will be headed," he said.

In the meantime, Beresford says the health authority will try to add doctors to the area through temporary placements.