The Doctor Shortage Crisis

In Ontario, a significant doctor shortage has left approximately 2.5 million residents without a family doctor, which is exacerbated by the reliance on walk-in clinics and emergency departments for primary care. This situation places patients' health at risk, often leading to late diagnoses and higher healthcare costs. Multiple chronic health conditions, like those faced by patients such as Dorothy Ann Brown, illustrate the challenges of navigating a fragmented healthcare system without a consistent primary care provider. The stress and uncertainty in securing physician care reflect a broader national issue, with 17% of Canadians not having a regular family doctor.