Toronto, ON – July 19, 2024 – The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) applauds the Ontario government’s recent announcement to connect up to 49,000 Toronto residents to primary care teams. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that more Ontarians have access to high-quality, comprehensive primary care services. This announcement follows a number of recent announcements regarding primary care team expansion in other communities in the province.
By expanding team-based care, the Ontario government is not only enhancing healthcare accessibility but also improving overall health outcomes for the community. AFHTO is committed to supporting this initiative and working with our member teams to implement this investment effectively.
“AFHTO welcomes this significant expansion, which aligns with our vision of timely access to comprehensive primary care for all Ontarians,” said Dr. Kevin Samson, President and Board Chair of AFHTO. “We believe that team-based care is the foundation of a strong healthcare system and are thrilled to see this commitment from the Ontario government.”
Wage parity, which refers to ensuring equitable compensation for primary care providers relative to other healthcare sectors, is essential in attracting and retaining the necessary talent to support this initiative. AFHTO is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, and the Primary Care Collaborative to address these challenges and move primary care closer to wage parity.
AFHTO looks forward to working closely with our members and the broader community to assess the impact of this expansion and ensure its success. Our response will include providing support and resources to our members, advocating for necessary policy changes, and collaborating with other primary care organizations to ensure a cohesive and effective implementation.
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For the full Ontario government announcement, visit https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004842/ontario-connecting-up-to-49000-people-to-primary-care-teams-in-toronto