Access to Primary Care in Canada Improves but Gaps Remain

A recent survey indicates that access to primary care in Canada is on the rise. According to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), the number of Canadians without regular access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team has decreased to 5.9 million, down from 6.5 million in 2022. Despite this positive trend, significant gaps remain, highlighting ongoing challenges in the healthcare system.

Dr. Tara Kiran, a lead investigator and scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, expressed cautious optimism about the findings. “Five point nine million is still a huge number that don’t have access, and we know we need to do better,” Kiran stated in an interview. She notes several factors contributing to the improvement in primary care access.

Investments and Initiatives in Primary Care

Many provincial governments have begun to recognize the critical need for primary care services and are investing accordingly. New agreements between governments and healthcare providers aim to enhance compensation models, making family medicine more attractive to physicians. Additionally, there has been an acceleration in the licensing of international medical graduates to practice in Canada, along with the expansion of medical school and family medicine residency training spots.

Kiran highlighted the importance of team-based care, which includes funding for nurses and nurse practitioners. This model allows physicians to manage a greater number of patients effectively. She emphasized that while the survey did not provide provincial or territorial specifics, a more detailed report from the CMA is expected in the coming year.

Despite these advances, Kiran stressed that access to primary care remains unequal across the country. “Our findings show that individuals living with lower incomes are less likely to have a family doctor or nurse practitioner,” she explained. Furthermore, men and individuals from diverse gender backgrounds report lower access rates, as do younger populations compared to those aged 65 and older.

Challenges Ahead for Canada’s Healthcare System

The survey’s results were unexpected given the simultaneous growth and aging of the Canadian population. Kiran noted that some jurisdictions have introduced temporary solutions, such as virtual care and short-term clinics, to address immediate needs. However, she argued that these measures do not replace the necessity for consistent primary care.

“Any of these band-aid solutions, whether they’re walk-in clinics, urgent care clinics, or virtual-only clinics, none of them are as good as ongoing primary care,” Kiran stated.

She advocates for increased funding from both provincial and federal governments, suggesting that Canada should approach primary care with the same urgency and commitment as it does with public education. “How would it look if we actually approached primary care more like we approach the public school system?” Kiran asked. “We need to ensure everyone has access to primary care.”

The survey also highlighted frustrations surrounding access to medical records and the need for culturally safe environments for diverse populations seeking medical care. Kiran called for a comprehensive strategy to ensure timely access to healthcare, noting that less than 50 percent of patients can receive care when their family doctor is unavailable.

As Canada continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on enhancing primary care access to ensure equitable healthcare for all citizens. The CMA’s upcoming report is anticipated to shed further light on regional disparities and potential solutions, as the country strives to close the gaps in its healthcare system.