Government says issuing a request for proposals for advice on whether to expand MUN’s medical program had to do with maintaining its integrity.

Government and the university wish to expand the program by 10 seats, with the end goal of getting more medical professionals to practice in the province.

Last week the RFP was issued, with the successful applicant being tasked with looking at what would be required to expand the program.

Health Minister Tom Osborne says they have to make sure the expansion is done right.

As MUN Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Jennifer Lokash explains, adding 10 seats is not as simple as it sounds.

She says that may sound small, but notes that it is actually 10 seats per year of the program, so in actuality they need to accommodate 40 new students. She says they need to explore all of the resource implications to ensure it is done right.