A recent analysis highlights significant disparities in access to primary healthcare across Canadian provinces, with approximately 5.8 million adults still lacking a family doctor. Conducted by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) using data from its Our Care survey, the findings indicate that regions such as New Brunswick and Newfoundland are lagging behind provinces like Ontario and Alberta in terms of healthcare accessibility.
Provincial Disparities in Access to Care
The CMA’s survey, which included responses from 16,876 adults nationwide, reveals a stark contrast in access to primary care. While provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba report clinician access rates exceeding 87 per cent, regions such as New Brunswick show only 65.9 per cent of respondents having a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This translates to an estimated 240,000 individuals in New Brunswick alone without a regular healthcare provider.
Dr. Tara Kiran, who contributed to the survey, stated, “The findings underscore that Canada does not operate under a single national healthcare system; rather, we have 13 distinct primary care systems.” This fragmentation in healthcare access raises concerns about the overall effectiveness of Canada’s health policies.
The Impact of Investment on Healthcare Access
The lack of adequate investment in primary care services has been identified as a contributing factor to the discrepancies in access. Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, reflected on the situation, noting, “The numbers have indicated for years that we are falling behind other provinces, and the absence of significant investment in primary care in New Brunswick has played a major role in this decline.”
In contrast, provinces like Ontario and Alberta have made substantial investments in team-based care, which may explain their higher access rates. Such investments not only improve patient access but also attract healthcare professionals to these regions, creating a more robust system of care.
Urgent Care Access and Patient Satisfaction
The survey also explored how quickly individuals could receive care for urgent health concerns. Nationally, only 37 per cent reported being able to access timely care, with Ontario performing slightly better at 44.6 per cent. In contrast, provinces like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland reported lower than average rates.
Dr. Kiran emphasised that the barriers to timely care are not due to physician reluctance but rather systemic inefficiencies. “We need to design our healthcare systems to facilitate easier access for patients,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Furthermore, the survey indicated that only 31 per cent of Canadians could receive urgent help outside regular office hours from their primary care clinic, with provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta ranking significantly below the national average.
A Call for Systemic Change
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. Among those with access to primary care, 67 per cent reported that their healthcare provider supported their overall well-being. However, general satisfaction with the primary care system remains low, with only 27.8 per cent expressing contentment with its functioning.
Dr. Babin noted, “While we have not been performing well for several years, I remain optimistic. With continued investment, we can improve the situation.” Dr. Kiran echoed this sentiment, stating that patient satisfaction extends beyond mere access to a family doctor; it encompasses timely care, respectful treatment, and empowering patients with the necessary information to manage their health.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report illuminate critical gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, revealing that access to primary care is not uniform across the country. For millions of Canadians, the inability to secure a family doctor can exacerbate health issues, particularly for those with chronic conditions. Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Canadians, ultimately fostering a healthier society. With a concerted effort towards investment and reform, there is potential for significant improvements in primary care delivery and patient satisfaction across the nation.
