B.C. still lacks family doctors despite new hires

British Columbia (B.C.) has hired over 1,000 new family doctors in an attempt to reduce the ongoing shortage. Despite these efforts, many residents are still struggling to access care. Long wait times for appointments remain a significant issue, even for those with a family doctor. Jennie Passche, a resident of Esquimalt, says she often has to wake up early to call for an appointment but it’s usually too late when she gets through. She expressed feelings of hopelessness about her healthcare access. In 2024, 250,000 people gained access to primary care for the first time, thanks to changes in the province's payment model for healthcare providers. Dr. Charlene Lui, president of Doctors of B.C., noted that the new payment model has been successful in attracting doctors to the province. However, many still report difficulty finding a provider. Some callers shared their challenges during a radio segment, highlighting the distress of not having reliable access to medical care. Dr. Tahmeena Ali from B.C. Family Doctors pointed out that many people are being referred from one walk-in clinic to another without receiving proper ongoing care. As of now, around 400,000 B.C. residents are still looking for a family doctor. She emphasized that a major overhaul of the healthcare system is necessary to ensure regular access to care for everyone. The B.C. Ministry of Health has taken steps to improve the situation, including empowering nurse practitioners and creating more health centers. However, Dr. Ali explained that these services are not evenly distributed across the province, leaving many areas without adequate support. Some patients have had positive experiences in urgent care clinics, while others continue to struggle. Bob Williams from Kamloops expressed frustration with booking appointments, suggesting that "urgent care" might be better termed "possible care" due to the challenges encountered. Many still rely on walk-in clinics for immediate needs, which can lead to delays in receiving care. Despite the improvements since implementing the new model, Dr. Ali cautioned that fixing the healthcare system will take significant time and effort. She compared the current situation to trying to drive on outdated roads, stressing that a clear, long-term strategy is needed to address these challenges.