Talk about a lot of BS from the government….do any of these people know the meaning of succinct and to-the-point. Still here it is a summary of the Primary Care Action Plan as proposed by Dr. Jane Philpott:
Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan, led by Dr. Jane Philpott, represents a transformative shift in the province’s approach to primary health care. Announced in October 2024, the plan aims to connect every Ontarian to a publicly funded family doctor or nurse practitioner within a primary care team by 2029. Backed by a historic $1.8 billion investment, the initiative seeks:
- to eliminate waitlists
- expand interprofessional care teams, and
- establish standardized “health homes” modeled after successful regional pilot programs.
The plan addresses Canada’s primary care crisis—where 2.5 million Ontarians currently lack a regular provider.
Health Home Model: Universal Access Through Geographic Assignment
Reimagining Primary Care Delivery
Based on a Health Home model, the plan guarantees every resident access to a primary care team based on their geographic location.
Each Health Home functions as a “front door” to the health system offering:
comprehensive services through interprofessional teams that include family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals.
Periwinkle Model
The Periwinkle Model consolidates resources into:
- optimizing electronic health records, and
- creating centralized intake systems.
Extend of the program: 305 new or expanded primary care teams, targeting 300,000 additional patients in 2025.
Funding and Workforce Expansion
Historic Investment in Primary Care
$1.8 billion allocation by government.
Training the Next Generation of Providers
The plan includes:
- a 10% increase in medical students
- two new medical schools, and
- 551 additional postgraduate training positions.
- a 10% growth in family doctors, with emphasis on recruiting and retaining providers in rural areas
Implementation Strategy and Timelines
Phased Rollout and Waitlist Elimination
By 2026, the government aims:
- to clear existing waitlists
- to leverage new teams and expand practices to connect 300,000 patients annually.
Collaboration Across Sectors
Success hinges on unprecedented collaboration between academia, hospitals, community health centers, and Indigenous health organizations.
Challenges and Criticisms
Systemic Barriers and Political Context
Critics note that Ontario’s primary care crisis stems from decades of underinvestment,
with aging providers and burnout exacerbating shortages.
Equity Considerations
Ongoing partnerships with Indigenous organizations and community health centers aim to ensure equitable access.
Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in Canadian Health Care
Dr. Jane Philpott’s Primary Care Action Plan redefines universal health care in Canada by treating primary care as a public good. By guaranteeing attachment to a health home, Ontario could:
- reduce emergency department overcrowding
- improve chronic disease management, and
- enhance preventive care
The success of this initiative will depend on sustained funding, interprofessional solidarity, and adaptive governance. If fully realized, it could serve as a blueprint for other provinces, advancing Canada toward a future where primary care access is universal, equitable, and patient-centered.
