A recent survey reveals significant disparities in access to primary healthcare among Canadians, with nearly 5.8 million adults lacking a family doctor. Conducted by Toronto-based family physician Dr. Tara Kiran in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, the report underscores how access to healthcare varies dramatically across provinces and territories. While some regions, like Ontario and Alberta, report high levels of access, others, particularly in the Atlantic provinces, are facing alarming shortages.
Varying Access Across Provinces
The findings of the Our Care survey indicate that access to primary healthcare is not uniform across the country. New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and the northern territories are at the bottom of the list, with New Brunswick showing a particularly concerning statistic: only 65.9 per cent of respondents reported having a primary care clinician. This suggests that approximately 240,000 residents may be left without essential healthcare services.
“I think the report findings really illustrate how we don’t have one national healthcare system; instead, we have 13 or more primary care systems,” Dr. Kiran remarked, pointing to the fragmented nature of Canada’s healthcare landscape. In stark contrast, Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba boast access rates of 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent, respectively, highlighting a clear divide in healthcare equity.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed her concerns regarding the chronic lack of investment in primary care, which she believes has contributed to the province’s struggles. “It’s not surprising to see that we’re lagging behind other provinces with regards to access to family physicians,” she stated, emphasising the urgent need for systemic changes.
The Health Risks of Lack of Access
The repercussions of not having a family doctor can be profound, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. A study from Ontario corroborates this, revealing that those without a family physician for two or more years faced a twelvefold increase in mortality risk. Dr. Babin’s warnings, therefore, are not merely anecdotal; they are backed by hard evidence that speaks to the critical role family doctors play in managing health outcomes.
The report also examined how quickly patients with a primary care clinician could access urgent care. Nationally, only 37 per cent of respondents indicated they could receive care for urgent concerns the same day or the following day. Ontario fared better, with a higher-than-average rate of 44.6 per cent, while regions like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland fell below the national benchmark.
Improving the System
Dr. Kiran suggests that to address these discrepancies, Canadian healthcare systems must invest more in inter-professional teams that can enhance the capacity of family doctors and nurse practitioners. “It’s not that the doctor doesn’t want to do a good job and see the patient; it’s just that we haven’t designed our systems to make that easy,” she explained.
The survey also highlighted the limited availability of after-hours care, with only 31 per cent of Canadians reporting that they could receive urgent assistance from their primary care clinic outside of regular hours. This lack of support can lead patients to rely on emergency departments, which are often already overwhelmed.
Despite the challenges outlined in the report, there remains a sense of optimism among healthcare professionals. Dr. Babin believes that with the right investments, improvements can be made. “I think the conclusion is that we haven’t been doing okay for many years, but I think there is optimism,” she said, urging for continued efforts towards reform.
Why it Matters
The findings from the Our Care survey serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and healthcare advocates alike. The disparities in access to primary care reveal a systemic issue that affects millions of Canadians and poses significant risks to public health. Addressing these inequities is not merely a matter of improving statistics; it is about ensuring that every Canadian has the opportunity to receive timely and adequate healthcare. As discussions around healthcare reform continue, it is imperative that we prioritise equitable access to primary care to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens.
