A recent survey reveals that access to primary care in Canada is on the rise, although significant gaps still exist that require attention. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has reported that 5.9 million individuals in the country lack consistent access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team, showing a decrease from the previous survey conducted in 2022, which highlighted 6.5 million Canadians facing this issue.
Dr. Tara Kiran, a lead researcher from St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, acknowledges the progress but emphasizes that the current situation is far from ideal. Despite the improvement, she notes that 5.9 million individuals without primary care access is still a substantial number that necessitates further improvement.
Kiran attributes this positive trend to increased recognition of the vital role of primary care by governments nationwide. Initiatives such as revised payment models for doctors, increased support for family medicine training, and the licensing of more international medical graduates in Canada have contributed to making family medicine more appealing and accessible.
Investing in team-based care, including funding for nurses and nurse practitioners, has enabled physicians to cater to more patients. However, disparities in primary care access persist across different demographics, with individuals of lower income, men, diverse genders, and younger age groups facing more significant challenges in accessing primary care compared to older individuals.
Despite the advancements, Kiran stresses that the healthcare system still faces numerous hurdles. To address these issues effectively, she calls for increased funding from both provincial and federal governments, likening the need for primary care access to the accessibility of public schools in neighborhoods. Kiran advocates for a more urgent and comprehensive approach to ensure universal access to primary care services.