Virtual primary care coming to Saskatchewan

REGINA – The Government of Saskatchewan is following up on its Patients First commitment by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking vendors to provide virtual care services for patients who do not have a regular family physician, nurse practitioner or primary care team.

“Expanding access to virtual care to more patients across the province is about putting patients first and ensuring the right care is available in the right place at the right time,” health minister Jeremy Cockrill (pictured) said. “With the technology and innovations available today, we can provide more convenient options for patients to interact with licensed healthcare professionals to receive care.”

This Virtual Care Pilot Project is a joint initiative of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health, eHealth Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The project supports the Patients First Health Care Plan, and Throne Speech commitments to ensure every Saskatchewan resident has access to a regular primary care provider by the end of 2028.

“Every Saskatchewan resident deserves timely access to primary care,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “This pilot will expand access to care for unattached patients while minimizing travel and wait times across the province.”

The pilot will provide eligible patients with virtual access to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners through secure phone and video appointments from the comfort of their homes. Patients will be able to receive medical advice, prescriptions, laboratory and diagnostic imaging requisitions, and referrals as needed until they are connected with a regular primary care provider.

Evidence from virtual care programs across Canada has shown that these services can improve access to care and increase patient satisfaction, while potentially reducing unnecessary emergency department visits. Virtual care can also help optimize healthcare resources, reduce system bottlenecks and support the delivery of the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Multiple vendors will be selected to provide virtual care services to eligible patients in selected areas of the province starting in Fall of 2026. Following the pilot, the vendor demonstrating the strongest results may have the opportunity to enter into a long-term agreement to provide a provincial virtual care solution. The RFP is available through SaskTenders and will remain open for six weeks from June 16, 2026 to July 24, 2026.