Doctors and rural health advocates are warning of further strain on health care in British Columbia after the B.C. Supreme Court ruled the province cannot require foreign-trained doctors to work in rural or remote communities. The program currently requires internationally trained physicians to practice in underserved areas for two or three years, but Justice Matthew Kirchner ruled the government does not have the authority to impose the requirement. Health Minister Ravi Kahlon said the province is reviewing the decision and will take steps to keep the program functioning, while doctors say the ruling could make recruiting physicians to rural communities more difficult. Advocates are calling for alternative measures, including financial incentives and expanded health-care teams involving nurse practitioners, to address staffing shortages in remote areas.