Urgent Action Needed: Addressing the Family Doctor Shortage in Chinatown and Across Ontario
Dear Premier Ford and Minister Jones,
We are stakeholders in Toronto Chinatown and health care,
where a pressing issue regarding the shortage of doctors has come to our attention. MPP Glover, and MPP Bell hosted a town hall
for Chinese-speaking residents, during which we heard from numerous individuals
who expressed deep worry about the lack of access to a family doctor. The situation is particularly concerning for those who are 75 years old and above,
as the absence of a primary care provider understandably raises significant
anxieties.A review by MPP Glover's office and MPP Bell's office of
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's website revealed alarming
statistics. Of the 24 doctors practicing in downtown Toronto, where Chinatown
is situated, a staggering 80% have been practicing for 43 years or more,
indicating that they are nearing or at retirement age. Moreover, we have
learned of five doctors serving the Chinese community who have recently
retired, and two more are planning to retire in the coming months, leaving
thousands of residents without a doctor.
This issue is not unique to Chinatown; it is a
province-wide challenge. According to the Ontario College of Family Physicians,
an estimated 2.2 million Ontarians currently lack primary care, a number
expected to rise to 4.4 million by 2026. The implications for our health and
healthcare system are significant, as having a primary care provider is crucial
for physicals, medication prescriptions, referrals, and the consistent
management of non-urgent and preventative care.
Residents should not find themselves resorting to
emergency rooms, such as Toronto Western, for prescriptions due to the absence
of available alternatives. Shockingly, one in five patients visiting emergency
departments is there solely because they lack a family doctor, as reported by
the Auditor General's investigation into our overwhelmed emergency rooms.
We are urging the Ontario government to address the
family doctor shortage in Chinatown and throughout Ontario by making a
substantial investment in primary care. We propose an significantly increase
investment in primary care in the 2024 budget, with a focus on expanding
primary care clinics, including those led by nurse practitioners.
Additionally, we call for expedited assessment and
approval processes for internationally trained family doctors and nurses to
ensure that qualified professionals are not leaving the profession due to
delays in recognizing their medical skills. Increasing the number of family
doctor residency positions is essential to train more healthcare professionals,
and efforts should be made to reduce the administrative burden on family
doctors, allowing them to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork.
Many individuals emphasized the importance of clear
communication with their healthcare providers to ensure accurate diagnoses and
effective treatment plans. In light of this, we propose that the government
takes significant steps to address language barriers by covering interpreter
fees for family doctors and patients. This crucial measure will not only
enhance the quality of healthcare but will also contribute to reducing
disparities in health outcomes among diverse communities, ensuring equal access
to health care for every Ontarian.
It is our firm belief that every resident in
Ontario should have access to quality primary care, irrespective of their age,
ethnicity, location, or income. We appreciate your attention to this matter and
look forward to your support in addressing the urgent need for increased
investment in primary care in our province.
Sincerely,