Eight New Physicians Join Prairie Mountain Health Through International Program

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has welcomed eight new physicians to various communities in western Manitoba as part of its ongoing initiative to enhance access to primary care. These doctors arrived through the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG), which helps foreign-trained physicians obtain the necessary credentials to practice family medicine in Manitoba. In exchange for sponsorship, these physicians commit to serving a minimum of four years in their designated communities.

Treena Slate, CEO of PMH, highlighted the region’s commitment to addressing healthcare needs: “During the past year, the region sponsored eight physicians to participate in the MLPIMG program. After much consideration, physicians who successfully graduated from the program were placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional physician resources.”

The newly recruited doctors include:

– **Swan River**: Dr. Uche Adediji, Dr. Toyin Oluwatuyi, Dr. Oghenekevwe Ekrebe (starting September 2023)
– **Neepawa**: Dr. Louis Eleche
– **Souris**: Dr. Rilwan Azeez (starting mid-September 2023)
– **Roblin**: Dr. Anahita Yousefiadib, Dr. Zoia Khattak
– **Virden**: Dr. Sylvia Oranika

The arrival of these physicians has been met with enthusiasm from government officials. Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, expressed gratitude for the new doctors: “Retention and recruitment of staff, including doctors, is our top priority. I want to welcome and thank these new doctors for joining our incredible Manitoba workforce. I wish them well as they begin providing this essential care throughout Prairie Mountain Health.”

The MLPIMG program is a collaborative effort involving PMH, the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Shared Health’s recruitment office, and Manitoba Health. This partnership has proven effective, with continued recruitment success in recent years. In 2024, five physicians were placed in communities including Deloraine, Grandview, Russell, Ste. Rose, and Virden. The previous year saw similar placements in Glenboro, Hamiota, Russell, Swan River, and Virden.

Looking ahead, PMH has further plans to bolster healthcare services in the region. Seven additional international physicians began their training in June 2025 and are expected to start practicing in PMH communities by fall 2026. This ongoing recruitment effort aims to address the healthcare demands of the community and ensure that residents have access to essential medical services.

The initiative not only aims to fill the immediate gaps in healthcare but also reflects a broader commitment to improving health services across the region. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of integrating international medical expertise to enhance local healthcare delivery.