Health minister faces backlash after mass resignation of Kamloops maternity doctors

A wave of resignations by seven obstetrician-gynecologists at Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital has triggered a political and public outcry, with doctors and residents warning that maternity care in B.C.’s Interior is on the brink of collapse.

The doctors announced earlier this month that they would no longer provide in-hospital maternity care once replacements are found, citing extreme burnout, unsustainable workloads, and years of unheeded concerns.

In response, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of B.C. released a letter signed by around 130 doctors, accusing the province and Interior Health of ignoring repeated warnings about a “looming maternity crisis.”

“The use of short-term stop gaps rather than negotiating fairly with the current OB-GYN group has not gone unnoticed,” the letter reads, calling the government’s plan to hire 12 new doctors “unrealistic.”

Minister defends government’s plan

During question period on Monday, B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar pressed Health Minister Josie Osborne on what steps the province is taking to stabilize maternity care in Kamloops.

Osborne said Interior Health is working with the physicians on a transition plan and continues to recruit ob-gyns from across Canada and abroad. She also reassured pregnant patients that care at Royal Inland Hospital will continue.

“The priority must always be the patients, the families, the people,” Osborne said. “I expect Interior Health and these physicians to come together and talk through these issues.”

Interior Health confirmed that the resigning doctors were offered a 25% compensation increase, which remains available should they return.

Doctors, advocates call for urgent action

Many physicians say the province’s approach fails to address the deeper issues driving burnout and resignations — including high patient loads, staff shortages, and lack of support for rural and regional hospitals.

“We’re seeing a domino effect of healthcare services collapsing, and a government pretending it’s fine,” said Anna Kindy, B.C. Conservative health critic.

Over the weekend, more than 200 people attended a rally in Kamloops organized by Maternity Matters Kamloops, a grassroots group of advocates and parents calling for immediate action.

Organizer Alix Dolson, who spoke at the event alongside city councillor Katie Neustaeter, said the rally was about demanding accountability.

“This community can’t afford to lose these doctors,” Dolson said. “Families deserve to know they’ll be safe when they walk into the hospital to give birth.”

What’s next

Interior Health says it remains open to discussions with the resigning physicians and is continuing recruitment efforts, but doctors across B.C. say the Kamloops crisis is a symptom of broader strain on maternity care — one that could spread without systemic change.