TIMMINS - A contribution of $77,500 from the Rural Economic Development program will help Timmins recruit more doctors to the city.
Timmins MP George Pirie was in Timmins to make the announcement on Oct. 15.
The funds are being awarded to the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, the city's economic development arm, which led the effort in partnership with the Timmins and District Hospital, Csc Timmins, Misiway Milopemahtesewin Community Health Centre, East End Family Health Team, and Collège Boréal.
“This funding, matched by local partners for a total of $155,000, will support recruitment efforts, including attending medical conferences, running a digital marketing campaign, and hosting a symposium,” the TEDC said in a social media post.
“TEDC and its partners aim to address the region's shortage of 40 doctors, with promising progress already made.”
Physician recruitment has figured prominently in the city's economic development plans over the last few years.
Earlier this year, the hospital's physician recruitment committee launched an initiative that would provide new physicians an incentive of $60,000 to move to the city, with equal contributions coming from the hospital, the city, and industry partners.
In co-operation with the Venture Centre, the hospital has also launched a $150,000 interest-free loan for new physicians to start a practice in the city.
The hospital is aiming to recruit 10 new physicians annually.
