Access to primary healthcare in Canada remains a pressing issue, as a recent report reveals significant regional disparities in the availability of family doctors. The study, conducted by Dr. Tara Kiran, a family physician in Toronto, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, underscores that approximately 5.8 million adults are currently without access to essential primary care services. While provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba report higher access rates, those in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and certain territories are notably underserved.
A Fragmented Healthcare Landscape
The findings from the Our Care survey, which gathered responses from 16,876 individuals across Canada, reveal a troubling picture of the nation’s healthcare system. Dr. Kiran stated, “The report findings really illustrate how we don’t have one national healthcare system; instead, we have 13 or more primary care systems.” This fragmentation indicates that Canadians’ experiences with healthcare vary dramatically depending on their geographical location.
In New Brunswick, the situation is particularly dire. Only 65.9 per cent of respondents reported having access to a primary care clinician. If this percentage reflects the entire population, roughly 240,000 individuals are left without a family doctor. Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in the province, remarked, “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 has definitely contributed to this issue.”
Contrasting Access Levels Across Provinces
In stark contrast to New Brunswick, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba boast significantly higher access rates, with 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent of residents reporting they have a clinician, respectively. Factors contributing to these disparities include greater investments in team-based care models and more attractive compensation packages for healthcare providers in these regions.
Dr. Babin highlighted the potential health consequences of not having a family doctor, particularly for those with chronic conditions. A study from Ontario corroborates her concerns, revealing that individuals with multiple chronic conditions who lack a family physician for two or more years face a twelvefold increase in mortality risk and a nearly sixteenfold risk of premature death.
Challenges in Urgent Care Access
The report also examined the ability of those with a clinician to receive timely care for urgent health concerns. Nationally, only 37 per cent of respondents indicated they could obtain care on the same or following day. Ontario performed better than the national average, with 44.6 per cent reporting timely access, while provinces such as Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Northwest Territories fell below average.
Dr. Kiran noted that the challenges in accessing urgent care stem from systemic design flaws. “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 Need for Systematic Improvements
The survey also highlighted after-hours care, revealing that only 31 per cent of Canadians could access help for urgent issues outside of regular office hours. British Columbia, Alberta, and various Atlantic provinces ranked significantly lower than the national average in this regard. Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency physician in Calgary, pointed out that patients often perceive their situation as urgent, which drives them to emergency departments, albeit sometimes unnecessarily.
Overall, while the survey found that 67 per cent of respondents with primary care access felt their clinician supported their general well-being, satisfaction with the system remains low. Only 27.8 per cent expressed satisfaction with how primary care is functioning across Canada.
Dr. Babin concluded on a note of cautious optimism, stating, “I think the conclusion is that we haven’t been doing OK for many years, but I think there is optimism. We just have to invest and try to do as much as we can with the resources we have now.”
Dr. Kiran added that the desire for efficient primary care extends beyond merely having a family doctor; Canadians seek timely access, respectful treatment, and the empowerment that comes from being involved in their own healthcare.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report highlight a crucial need for systemic reform within Canada’s healthcare framework. With millions lacking access to primary care, the disparities across provinces not only threaten individual health outcomes but also strain the overall healthcare system. Addressing these inequalities is imperative for safeguarding public health and ensuring equitable access to essential medical services for all Canadians. The call for investment in primary care is not just about increasing numbers; it is about fostering a healthcare environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to manage their health effectively.
