By Jeremy Simes Groups that represent doctors in Saskatchewan say they’re worried a bill that proposes to force treatment on those battling drug addictions could put additional pressure on squeezed emergency rooms. “The Saskatchewan Medical Association isn’t able to support the Compassionate Intervention Act in its current draft,” Dr. Pamela Arnold, the association’s president, said in an interview Wednesday. “We agree that urgent action is needed to save lives, but we do have serious concerns.” The association, along with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, had earlier said in a statement the province should strengthen existing treatment programs before implementing involuntary care. They said they’re concerned emergency rooms could become intake points for addictions patients, resulting in more overcrowding, delayed care and strain on staff. Arnold said the…
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