Canadians are calling for significant structural changes in the healthcare system to improve outcomes, despite the recent injection of billions of dollars. While the $46.2 billion funding boost is seen as a step in the right direction, a majority (66%) still believe that there are underlying issues that money alone cannot resolve. These concerns are shared not only by Canadians in general but also by healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses.
One of the key areas of focus is the streamlining of the process for foreign doctors to practice in Canada. With a shortage of physicians, 62% of Canadians believe that making it easier for foreign doctors to secure the right to practice in the country can help alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system.
The dissatisfaction with the current state of healthcare is evident, as 68% of Canadians believe that healthcare has worsened in the country over the past decade. This perception has fueled a demand for solutions that prioritize specific issues. Two-in-five Canadians (43%) want emergency departments to be adequately staffed to avoid closures, while 31% emphasize the need to reduce the mental health strain on healthcare workers. Additionally, improving the speed of treatment (33%), reducing wait lists for family doctors (27%) and surgeries (31%) are also considered crucial.
Access to healthcare remains a significant challenge for many Canadians, with 29% facing chronic difficulty accessing the care they need. Furthermore, half of Canadians either do not have a family doctor (19%) or struggle to see the one they have (29%).
It is clear that Canadians are seeking transformative changes in the healthcare system beyond increased funding. Structural reforms, such as facilitating the entry of foreign doctors, addressing staffing issues, and improving access to care, are seen as essential for achieving better healthcare outcomes. The focus is not merely on financial investment but on building a sustainable, accessible healthcare system that addresses the diverse needs of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why do Canadians believe that money alone cannot solve healthcare issues?
- What is the primary concern regarding the shortage of physicians in Canada?
- What are the top priorities for Canadians in improving the healthcare system?
- What are the challenges faced by Canadians in accessing healthcare?
Canadians believe that underlying structural problems in the healthcare system need to be addressed in addition to financial investments.
Canadians prioritize making it easier for foreign doctors to practice in Canada to increase the pool of physicians.
Canadians prioritize adequately staffing emergency departments, reducing the mental health strain on healthcare workers, improving treatment speed, and reducing wait lists for family doctors and surgeries.
Around 29% of Canadians face chronic difficulty accessing the care they need, and half either do not have a family doctor or struggle to see the one they have.