Ontario’s Doctors Urge Government to Address Health-Care Crisis at Media Event

Poll Shows 89% of Ontarians Worried About the Future of Health Care

October 16, 2024 — Toronto — This morning, we attended a media event held by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), where doctors called for immediate government intervention to address Ontario’s growing health-care crisis. The event, which featured a Q&A session with media and health experts, marked the official launch of the OMA’s “Stop the Crisis” initiative. This campaign aims to address the most urgent challenges in the health-care system by focusing on six key areas.

The OMA’s recommended priorities include:

1. Ensuring every Ontarian has access to a family doctor
2. Supporting rural and northern health care
3. Keeping emergency departments open
4. Improving access to surgeries, specialists, and diagnostic tests
5. Implementing a Human Health Resources Strategy
6. Enhancing digital health care and innovation

“Ontario’s health-care system is in crisis,” declared OMA President Dr. Dominik Nowak during the conference. “Years of chronic underfunding have left the system fragile, and without immediate government action, the future of health care in Ontario is at risk.”

The press conference revealed alarming statistics, including that more than 2.5 million Ontarians are currently without a family doctor. Projections show this number could rise to 25% of the population by 2026. Emergency departments across the province are under immense strain, often struggling to remain open, while wait times for surgeries, specialist care, and diagnostic tests frequently exceed acceptable standards.

During the Q&A session, OMA President Dr. Dominik Nowak, Dr. Audrey Karlinsky, Dr. Andrew Park and Dr. Sarah Newberry responded to pressing questions from journalists, outlining the severity of the crisis and offering solutions for moving forward. OMA CEO Kimberly Moran emphasized the importance of collaboration with the government, saying, “Without significant government intervention, Ontario’s health-care system may deteriorate beyond repair. We are committed to working with the government to implement these solutions because the future of health care must be a top priority.”

The gravity of the situation is felt across the province. A recent Ipsos survey, commissioned by the OMA, shows that 89% of Ontarians are deeply concerned about the future of the health-care system. Access to family doctors and health-care services is a critical issue for voters, and it is likely to influence voting behavior in upcoming elections.

“The people of Ontario deserve better from their health-care system and their government,” Dr. Nowak concluded. “We have the solutions. Now we need immediate action to ensure the health of all Ontarians is prioritized.”

For more details on the OMA’s recommendations, data, patient stories, and physician testimonials, visit StoptheCrisis.ca.