Health

PCs announce $1.4B in new funds for primary health-care plan on eve of election call

The Ontario government under the Progressive Conservative party has unveiled a groundbreaking $1.4 billion initiative aimed at expanding access to primary care for two million more residents in the province. This announcement comes just days before an early provincial election is expected to be called.

Led by former federal health minister Dr. Jane Philpott, the plan involves creating and expanding 305 primary care teams across Ontario. These teams, composed of family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, and dieticians, will work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care to patients. The government anticipates that this initiative will connect an additional 300,000 individuals to primary care services within the year.

The ultimate goal of the plan is to ensure that every individual currently on the province’s waitlist for a family physician is paired with a primary care provider by 2026. Dr. Philpott emphasized the significance of establishing a robust primary care system where access to a primary care team is as fundamental as enrolling a child in a local school.

While the announcement coincides with Premier Doug Ford’s impending election campaign launch, Health Minister and Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones clarified that the initiative is not a campaign promise. Jones affirmed the government’s commitment to executing the plan and fostering enthusiasm for the transformative changes ahead.

Opposition party leaders have raised skepticism about the timing of the announcement, with Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie suggesting that the initiative should have been implemented earlier in Ford’s tenure. NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized the government for making last-minute commitments that may not materialize.

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In addition to the $1.4 billion allocation, the province has earmarked an additional $400 million for enhancing primary care services. The Ontario Medical Association has supported the funding announcement but emphasized the need for further efforts to retain and attract family physicians in the province. Dr. Dominik Nowak, president of the association, highlighted the importance of modernizing support for family medicine to ensure that healthcare professionals are available when needed.

Overall, the government’s ambitious plan to expand access to primary care services signifies a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes for Ontarians. As the initiative unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its progress and ensure that all residents have equitable access to essential healthcare services.

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