Medical Society seeks election promise to end cap on new doctors

FREDERICTON, N.B.  - The New Brunswick Medical Society is calling on all
political parties to commit to removing the cap on its health care billing numbers to address a shortage of physicians in the province.

The billing number system allows doctors to bill the province for medical services they deliver to patients.

Since 1992, it has assigned a certain number of doctors to specific areas in an attempt to ensure a fair distribution of physicians across the province.

Dr. Chris Losier, the medical society's president, says the system is inflexible and hinders the effort to recruit new doctors.

Earlier this week, Liberal Premier Shawn Graham promised to add billing numbers to create openings for another 55 doctors in the province, if his government is re-elected on Sept. 27.

Graham says he's willing to continue talks with the medical society in an effort to find a solution.

The Conservatives have promised to increase the number of new doctors being trained in the province.