Canadian medical association calls for changes in healthcare system amid overflowing ERs

(Aanchal Nigam / Red Maple)

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) on Thursday urged provinces and territories in Canada to make changes in the healthcare system amid overflowing emergency rooms and waiting periods of 20 hours or longer.

In a statement published on Jan. 11, CMA said, “The scene is not new but unless we make major systemic changes, it will continue to repeat itself.”

“Despite the tireless efforts of physicians, nurses and other health providers, testimonies from around the country illustrate that patients in some jurisdictions are waiting as long as 20 hours or longer to receive care,” it added.

The association has noted that the current situation of the healthcare system in Canada is not only affecting the general public but also the staff which is left overburdened.

Staff shortages and hospital overcrowding combined with poor access to high-quality team-based primary care are leaving hospital emergency departments woefully under-resourced for the avalanche of patients with influenza, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at this time of year, CMA said.

The CMA statement comes in the backdrop of British Columbia (B.C.) facing a record influx of patients. 

Earlier this month, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix told a news conference that the inpatient hospital population was 10,435 on Tuesday in the province.  It marked a significant increase from the average of 9,973 over the holiday period, he said.

Specifying team-based primary care as a potential focus for an overhaul, CMA also said, “No one wants to spend 20 hours waiting for the care they or their loved ones need. Solutions to ease the pain points for patients and providers are crucial.” The association also urged the government officials to raise the issue of Canadian healthcare systems during the winter session.