This article originally appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of the Ontario Medical Review magazine.
Advocacy efforts continue to strengthen health-care system
Health-system solutions, driven by the experience and expertise of physicians, are the hallmark of the OMA’s Prescription for Ontario: Doctors’ 5-Point Plan for Better Health Care — our plan to fix Ontario’s health-care system.
Since its release in October 2021, progress has been made. Our Prescription Progress Report 2023, released in May, highlights steps taken by government to address Ontario’s health-care issues and the gaps that need to be filled. It also identifies urgent priorities for 2023 that will guide our advocacy over this year.
Our 2023 urgent priorities were identified through consultations and surveys with members, stakeholders, the business community and the public:
These fall within the Prescription’s five pillars:
Prescription for Ontario is our key advocacy document, setting out priorities and pathways to address health-care challenges all across Ontario.
Collaboration is key to improving Ontario’s health-care system. We have had success working with MPPs and the government to advance OMA solutions. We are encouraged by action taken by the provincial government — from committing funds to expanding programs to introducing legislation — related to 51 of the OMA’s 87 recommendations.
The government responded to some of the foundational changes we called for, including the creation of community diagnostic and surgical centres, and more investment in primary care.
We will continue to consult members, stakeholders and the public about our most urgent priorities. In the meantime, we continue to work collaboratively with the government and health-care providers to ensure the vision for co-ordinated care becomes reality.
Recently introduced, the purpose of OneOMA is to provide a seamless experience when you interact with your association.
We need to do a better job connecting you with all the benefits the OMA has to offer. OneOMA will raise awareness of what the OMA can do for Ontario’s doctors, helping them take advantage of the supports we offer for personal and professional needs.
Whether you’re seeking information on discounts, legal advice, billing education, or wish to become a leader or advocate to advance our larger mandate, OneOMA’s goal is to support Ontario’s doctors in delivering better health care.
Your association is in a good position to build on our work as a trusted voice in transforming Ontario’s health-care system.
The OMA will continue to build on this momentum to advocate on the critical issues that matter most to doctors and the health of all Ontarians. Read more about OneOMA.
John Bozzo
OMA Chief Executive Officer