As efforts intensify to enhance Canadians’ access to primary healthcare, a recent report reveals stark variations across provinces and territories. The Canadian Medical Association’s “Our Care” survey indicates that approximately 5.8 million adults currently lack a family doctor, with access significantly lower in areas such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and the territories. In contrast, provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba report much higher levels of access.
A Snapshot of Primary Care Access
The findings from the CMA’s comprehensive survey, which gathered responses from 16,876 Canadians, illustrate a troubling picture of primary care accessibility. Only 65.9 per cent of participants in New Brunswick reported having a primary care clinician. If this figure reflects the entire population, it suggests that around 240,000 individuals in the province may be without necessary medical support.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed concern over these statistics, stating, “It’s not surprising to see that we’re lagging behind other provinces regarding access to family physicians. The lack of investment in primary care in New Brunswick over the past few years has definitely contributed to this issue.”
In contrast, provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba have shown much better results, with over 87 per cent of residents reporting access to a clinician. This disparity raises questions about the underlying factors contributing to these differences.
Factors Influencing Access
Dr. Tara Kiran, who contributed to the CMA’s survey, noted that the variations in access may stem from several factors, including differing healthcare investments and the structured support of team-based care models in provinces like Ontario and Alberta. Enhanced remuneration packages in these regions also serve to attract and retain healthcare professionals, further improving accessibility.
The absence of a family doctor poses significant risks to Canadians’ health, particularly among those with chronic conditions. A recent Ontario study corroborates this, revealing that individuals without a family doctor for two years or more faced a staggering twelvefold increase in the likelihood of death and a nearly sixteenfold greater risk of premature death.
Urgent Care Availability and Patient Satisfaction
The CMA report also explored the ability of individuals with a primary care clinician to secure urgent care. Nationally, only 37 per cent reported being able to access care for urgent issues on the same or the following day. Ontario surpassed the national average with 44.6 per cent, while provinces like Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Northwest Territories lagged behind.
Dr. Kiran pointed out that the challenges are not due to a lack of effort from healthcare providers but rather the design of the healthcare system itself. “We haven’t structured our systems to facilitate easy access,” she remarked.
The survey also revealed that only 31 per cent of Canadians felt there was after-hours support available from their primary care clinics. The provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and those in Atlantic Canada ranked significantly lower than the national average. Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency room physician in Calgary, highlighted that patients often turn to emergency services out of genuine need rather than misuse.
Among those who do have access to primary care, the report found that approximately 67 per cent felt their clinician supported their overall well-being. Yet, satisfaction with the primary care system remains low, with only 27.8 per cent of respondents expressing contentment with its current state.
Dr. Babin maintains a cautious optimism, stating, “We haven’t been doing okay for many years, but there is hope. If we can secure the necessary investments, I believe we will see improvements.” Dr. Kiran echoed this sentiment, asserting that simply having a family doctor is not enough; patients seek timely access, respect, and the empowerment to manage their health.
Why it Matters
The discrepancies in access to family doctors across Canada underscore a fragmented healthcare system that fails to meet the needs of many. As the nation grapples with these challenges, it is imperative to prioritise strategic investments in primary care. By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to these disparities, Canada can move towards a more equitable healthcare system that ensures every citizen has the opportunity to receive timely and effective medical care. This is not just a matter of health equity but a crucial step in safeguarding the overall health and well-being of the population.
