This article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of the Ontario Medical Review magazine.
Physician leaders can help heal health-care system
The response to the recommendations in Prescription for Ontario: Doctors’ 5-Point Plan for Better Health Care has been outstanding.
Since we announced the plan in October, I have heard from politicians, public policy leaders, civil servants and others about how impressed they are with the OMA’s plan to fix the gaps in the health-care system.
Prescription for Ontario is becoming recognized as a credible plan that is ready to be adopted by government to address issues like wait times, long-term public health, mental health and addiction and digital connectedness.
The plan has the support of the public too. In a survey by Ipsos for the OMA, Ontarians said they prioritize investment in health care over all other issues, even economic growth. The survey also found that an overwhelming 96 per cent of respondents support the five pillars of Prescription for Ontario. Since the plan’s release, we have been focused on briefing a wide range of politicians, civil servants and stakeholders on its recommendations.
In recent months, we have met with (to name a few) Health Minister Christine Elliott, Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, Premier Doug Ford’s office, Prime Minister Trudeau’s office, then-Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole, federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Toronto Mayor John Tory, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and 38 MPPs of all parties.
Our President Dr. Adam Kassam and I have also testified before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and briefed the platform committees of the major Ontario political parties. We need your help to continue to advocate for a stronger health-care system.
The Ontario election is scheduled for June 2. The lead-up to election day is an opportunity to educate political parties, candidates, the media and the public about how to fix many of the problems that patients and health-care workers are experiencing.
If you are interested in helping, please become an OMA Health Care Advocate. Health care advocates are offered training to advocate for physician issues and participate in OMA advocacy activities, such as joining meetings with local MPPs. The role of health care advocates will become even more critical during the election as the OMA engages local candidates across the political spectrum. It is an excellent opportunity to channel your passion and expertise into public policy.
Ontario’s health-care system is at a crossroads. With physician leadership and advocacy, we can fix the gaps and build a strong system for the 21st century.
Editor’s Note: At the time of posting this Spring edition, the Proposed Physician Services Agreement, or PPSA, was reached between the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario Ministry of Health. Voted by the board to recommend membership ratification, view details on the agreement, information on upcoming townhalls and other relevant materials.