A shortage of family doctors has put a red light on Ontario’s primary care system.
A recent study by the Inspire Primary Healthcare Inspire-PHC project found that as of March last year, at least 415,000 Toronto residents did not have a family doctor.
The number of people without a family doctor surged in the first two years after the pandemic, leaving at least 72,000 without access to primary care. They went to emergency rooms and walk-in clinics instead of family doctors.
According to the study, the percentage of people without a family doctor was higher in the low-income group earning the minimum wage than in the high-income group, showing the inequality situation in medical services.
Currently, at least 120,700 people in Toronto’s lowest-income households do not have access to regular care from a family doctor. In particular, the shortage of homes in western Toronto, north of downtown, and the Scarborough area was notable.
Dr. Mekalai Kumanan, president of the Family Justice Association of Ontario (OCFP), said the statistic was deeply concerning. If it is difficult, it will have a negative impact on personal health.”
In this regard, medical organizations and medical associations have called for additional investment in primary care and warned that health care reform is needed so that all citizens can access home care.
The Inspire-PHC Project is a research group of more than 125 primary care researchers, clinicians, scientists, and policymakers working towards equitable access to high-quality primary health care in Ontario.