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Access to primary healthcare in Canada reveals significant disparities across provinces and territories, according to a recent report based on the Canadian Medical Association’s Our Care survey. With approximately 5.8 million adults lacking a family doctor or nurse practitioner, the findings underscore a troubling reality: while some regions enjoy high levels of access, others lag considerably behind.
Unequal Access Across the Nation
The survey, which gathered insights from 16,876 Canadian adults, highlights a stark contrast in primary care access. Regions such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and the northern territories show notably lower rates of residents with a family clinician compared to provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Dr. Tara Kiran, a key contributor to the CMA survey, remarked, “The results illustrate that we do not have a single national healthcare system; instead, we are managing 13 or more distinct primary care systems.”
In New Brunswick, only 65.9 per cent of respondents reported having access to a primary care provider, suggesting that around 240,000 individuals may be without essential healthcare support. Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in the province, expressed her concern, stating, “It is not surprising that we are trailing behind other provinces in terms of family physician access. The lack of investment in primary care in New Brunswick over recent years has certainly contributed to this situation.”
A Closer Look at the Numbers
In stark contrast, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba reported much higher figures, with 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent of respondents indicating they had a clinician, respectively. Kiran suggests that various factors contribute to these disparities, including investments in team-based care and more competitive remuneration for healthcare professionals in these provinces.
The consequences of lacking a family doctor can be severe, particularly for those with chronic health conditions. A study from Ontario found that individuals with multiple chronic illnesses who were without a family doctor for two years or longer faced a staggering increase in mortality risk, with a twelve-fold higher chance of death and a nearly sixteen-fold increase in the likelihood of premature death.
Urgent Care Accessibility
The CMA report also examined the ability of individuals with a regular clinician to receive timely care for urgent health concerns. Alarmingly, only 37 per cent of Canadians reported being able to obtain care on the same or following day. While Ontario’s figures were slightly above the national average at 44.6 per cent, other regions, including Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, reported significantly lower rates.
Kiran pointed out that the issue is not a lack of desire among doctors to provide timely care, but rather a systemic failure to design healthcare systems that facilitate such access. She advocated for increased investment in inter-professional teams to enhance the capacity of family doctors and nurse practitioners to address patient needs effectively.
The survey also explored after-hours care, revealing that only 31 per cent of Canadians could access help for urgent issues outside regular weekday hours. B.C., Alberta, and several Atlantic provinces performed well below the national average in this respect.
A Call for Systemic Change
Despite the challenges highlighted in the report, optimism remains. Among those with primary care access, approximately 67 per cent felt that their clinician supported their overall well-being. However, satisfaction levels with the primary care system remain dismally low, with only 27.8 per cent of Canadians expressing contentment with how the system currently operates.
Dr. Babin concluded, “For many years, we haven’t been doing well, but there is hope. We must continue to advocate for investments in healthcare and strive to maximise the resources we currently have.” Kiran echoed this sentiment, emphasising that patient care transcends mere access to a provider—Canadians desire timely appointments, access to their medical records, and the ability to manage their health proactively.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report serve as a clarion call for policymakers and healthcare leaders across Canada. Disparities in primary care access not only affect individual health outcomes but also reflect broader systemic issues within the healthcare landscape. As we navigate these challenges, it is imperative that we advocate for a more equitable and accessible healthcare system that prioritises the needs of all Canadians, ensuring that everyone has the support necessary to lead healthy lives.
