Hundreds of individuals in need of a family doctor patiently waited in line on Saturday morning at a health facility in the west end of Ottawa. The Active Care clinic in Kanata announced an opportunity to register 400 to 600 new patients, with some being assigned a physician assistant (PA), as stated by a clinic’s medical secretary.
Alison Boughey, who had been without a family doctor for five years following her doctor’s relocation to Trenton, Ontario, expressed the significance of obtaining a primary healthcare provider. Boughey’s situation resonated with others in line who shared similar challenges in finding a family physician in the city.
The scarcity of doctors in Ontario has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) highlighted that over 2.5 million Ontarians currently lack access to a family physician. Despite recent investments in primary care, the demand for healthcare services surpasses the available resources.
According to a factsheet from the OMA, Ontario has an estimated 2.8 physicians for every 1,000 individuals, with 40% of them contemplating retirement. Rijwal Chirammal, whose family doctor is retiring, emphasized the urgency of finding a replacement amidst the ongoing doctor shortage.
The Active Care clinic, which currently employs eight physicians and three PAs, aims to enhance patient access to healthcare services. PAs collaborate with physicians to expedite medical processes and enhance emergency care accessibility. They perform physical examinations, issue referrals, and prescribe specific medications under physician supervision.
The demand for family doctors in Ottawa has prompted individuals like Marlene Vieira to seek healthcare services diligently. Vieira noted the challenges of securing a spot on waitlists and highlighted the persistence required in navigating the healthcare system. Despite the obstacles, patients remain hopeful for improved access to essential medical care.