The Ontario government has unveiled $235 million in fresh funding to bolster the establishment of new and expanded primary care teams, enhancing access to primary health care for a greater number of Ontarians this year. These 130 primary care teams were chosen via a call for proposals initiated in April, with a focus on localities having a high concentration of residents currently lacking primary health care services.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones revealed that these teams are poised to link 300,000 individuals to primary care in the current year. Jones emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ontario’s healthcare system and ensuring every resident can access a primary care provider in the long term.
This funding allocation forms part of the government’s Primary Care Action Plan, which endeavors to connect all Ontarians to a publicly funded family doctor or primary care team by 2026. The Ontario Medical Association previously highlighted that 2.5 million people in the province are without a family doctor, a figure projected to surge to over 4.4 million by 2026.
Dr. Jane Philpott, chair of Ontario’s Primary Care Action team, expressed anticipation for the imminent acceptance of patients by these teams in the coming weeks and months. She emphasized that these teams will serve as the initial point of contact for care, providing prompt and comprehensive assistance under the guidance of a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Unsuccessful applicants in this funding round are encouraged by the province to refine and resubmit their proposals for the subsequent call for proposals expected to kick off in September. A significant portion of the funding, amounting to $142 million over three years, will be allocated for operational costs to facilitate the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals within these primary care teams. This funding can be utilized for personnel such as nurse practitioners, registered practical nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists.