Canada’s largest physicians’ organization, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), has issued a call for urgent action to address the critical issues plaguing the country’s healthcare system. This appeal follows a recent meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers, where key topics included access to medications, the licensing process for internationally trained healthcare professionals, and the expansion of mental health and addiction services.
The CMA expressed disappointment that the meeting did not yield actionable plans to address these pressing concerns. “We are advocating for increased funding for primary care teams and a provincial memorandum of understanding to facilitate physician mobility across provinces,” stated Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the CMA. “We were hoping for concrete outcomes, especially a streamlined immigration pathway for internationally trained doctors.”
Healthcare Shortages Demand Immediate Solutions
The need for action is underscored by a chronic shortage of family physicians across Canada. Currently, hundreds of thousands of Canadians lack access to a family doctor. According to a recent report, the country requires an additional 23,000 family physicians, representing a 49 percent increase from current levels. The report also highlights the need for 14,000 licensed nurses and 28,000 registered nurses, along with more nurse practitioners and occupational therapists.
Dr. Burnell emphasized the importance of learning from models in other countries. “In the United States and Australia, implementing a multi-jurisdictional licensure pathway has been shown to increase access to healthcare by approximately 10 to 15 percent,” she noted.
Another critical area of concern is the lack of a coordinated immunization program. Dr. Burnell highlighted the urgency of this issue, particularly in light of recent measles outbreaks that have resulted in fatalities. “Vaccinations save lives, and the recent measles outbreaks have reinforced this fact. We hoped this public health concern would have been a priority in the discussions,” she added.
The CMA’s call for action emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to improve healthcare access and quality. The ongoing struggles within Canada’s healthcare system require immediate and effective solutions to ensure that all Canadians can receive the medical care they need.
