A recent report sheds light on the significant disparities in access to primary healthcare across Canada, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults lack a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The findings, derived from the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) Our Care survey, indicate that while some provinces like Ontario and Alberta have relatively high access rates, others, particularly in the Atlantic region and Quebec, face considerable challenges. This uneven distribution of healthcare resources raises concerns about the overall effectiveness of Canada’s healthcare system.
Uneven Access Across Provinces
The survey, which collected responses from 16,876 Canadians, underscores the fragmented nature of the country’s healthcare system. Dr. Tara Kiran, a collaborator on the CMA report, emphasised that Canada does not operate under a singular healthcare model but rather hosts multiple primary care systems across its provinces and territories. New Brunswick, in particular, reported the lowest access, with only 65.9% of respondents indicating they had a primary care clinician. This translates to an estimated 240,000 individuals potentially without access to essential healthcare services.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, noted the concerning trend. “It’s disheartening to see our province lagging in access to family physicians,” she stated. “Limited investment in primary care over recent years has undoubtedly contributed to this issue.”
High Access Rates in Some Provinces
In stark contrast, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba demonstrated much higher access rates, with 87.4%, 88.5%, and 88.8% of respondents reporting they had a primary care clinician. Dr. Kiran suggested that these variations may be attributed to factors such as investments in team-based care and more competitive compensation for healthcare providers. “Provinces that have prioritised investment in their healthcare systems tend to attract and retain more physicians,” she explained.
The implications of lacking a family doctor can be severe, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. A study from Ontario highlighted that patients with multiple chronic ailments who were without a family doctor for two or more years faced a twelvefold increase in the risk of death, raising alarms about the potential long-term consequences of inadequate access to primary care.
Urgent Care Accessibility
The CMA report also explored the ability of Canadians to receive prompt care for urgent medical concerns. Nationally, only 37% of respondents indicated they could access care for urgent issues on the same or the following day. Ontario’s performance was above average, with 44.6% of respondents reporting timely access, while regions like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland fell below the national standard.
Dr. Kiran noted that the constraints are not indicative of a lack of effort from healthcare providers but rather reflect systemic challenges. “The issue lies in the design of our healthcare systems, which often fail to facilitate timely access to care,” she said.
Patient Satisfaction and Future Optimism
Despite the challenges, the report revealed that amongst those with access to primary care, approximately 67% felt their clinician supported their overall well-being. However, overall satisfaction with the primary care system remains low, with only 27.8% of Canadians expressing contentment with its functioning.
Dr. Babin remains hopeful for the future. “While we have faced significant challenges, there is a glimmer of optimism,” she remarked. “With the right investments, I believe we can make substantial improvements.” Dr. Kiran echoed this sentiment, highlighting that patient satisfaction is influenced by more than just having a family doctor. “Canadians seek timely access, respect during their visits, and the ability to manage their health effectively. These factors are crucial for a truly responsive healthcare system.”
Why it Matters
The findings from the CMA report illustrate a pressing need for targeted investments and policy reforms to rectify the inequities in primary care access across Canada. As the nation grapples with healthcare challenges, it is imperative to acknowledge that equitable access to family doctors is not just a matter of convenience—it is a fundamental determinant of health. Without urgent attention to these disparities, millions of Canadians may continue to face barriers in receiving the quality care they deserve, impacting their health outcomes and overall quality of life.
