The Healthcare Crisis in Canada: A Physician’s Journey Toward a Sustainable Future
Posted by Carlos Montiel, MD.
Introduction.
When I came to Canada in 2017, I was drawn to the promise of universal healthcare, a system where care was accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. After practicing medicine in the United States, where navigating insurance constraints often felt like a second job, the prospect of focusing solely on my patients was deeply appealing.
However, as the years have passed, I've understood that no system is without flaws. In Canada, while in general I no longer need to consider whether a patient's insurance will cover a specific test or treatment, I now face a different challenge: having to tell patients that while I can order the tests or refer them to the specialists they need, they should be prepared to wait—sometimes for months, sometimes for years.
This dichotomy has been eye-opening. I've seen patients grow frustrated and lose trust in the system. As their physician, I often absorb that frustration, feeling powerless to address their concerns. While I still believe in the fundamental principles of universal healthcare, it's clear that we must explore ways to improve the system—not by dismantling it, but by complementing it with innovation and forward-thinking solutions.
A Physician's Perspective: Room for Improvement
Canada's healthcare system, despite its strong foundation, is struggling under immense pressure. Long wait times, limited access to certain services, and overburdened healthcare providers are some issues we face. Yet, I believe these challenges present an opportunity—not for top-down solutions from the government but for working collaboratively within the system to bring about meaningful change.
As a physician, I've come to see that while we can't expect to fix every aspect of the system, there are specific areas where innovation can make a real difference. By identifying and addressing these pain points, we can create targeted solutions that improve patient experiences and outcomes while easing some of the burden on our public healthcare system.
The Role of Innovation and Collaboration
Collaboration between physicians, patients, private enterprises, and regulatory bodies is vital to improving our healthcare system. While the government plays a crucial role in funding and managing the system, innovation often comes from individuals and organizations willing to think outside the box.
Private enterprises, for example, can develop tools and platforms that enhance access to care, improve efficiency, and empower patients to take charge of their health. From telemedicine to health apps, these innovations can potentially complement the public system, addressing gaps while maintaining the principles of equity and universality.
However, legislators and regulatory bodies must play a supportive role for this kind of innovation to thrive. While their mandate to ensure public safety is essential, they should encourage physicians and healthcare professionals to experiment with new ideas and approaches. By fostering an environment where innovation is welcomed—so long as it adheres to safety and ethical standards—regulators can help create a healthcare system that evolves to meet the needs of Canadians.
A Balanced Approach
My goal is not to criticize the system or its overseers but to advocate for a balanced approach that respects the values of universal healthcare while embracing the benefits of innovation. Canada's healthcare system can learn from other models worldwide, including aspects of the U.S. system that prioritize efficiency and patient-centered care. At the same time, we must remain faithful to the ideals that make our system unique, ensuring that care is accessible to all.
This isn't about confrontation or competition—it's about collaboration. By working together, we can create a healthcare system that survives and thrives, adapting to the challenges of the present while preparing for the future.
Moving Forward: A Vision for Sustainable Healthcare
I've experienced the system's challenges and frustrations. I've seen patients waiting for the care they desperately need and felt the limitations of what I can do within the current framework. But I've also seen the power of innovation to transform lives, and I believe there's a path forward.
We need a healthcare system that encourages creativity and collaboration while maintaining high standards of safety and equity. We can build a system that genuinely serves Canadians' needs by empowering healthcare providers and organizations to innovate, supporting private enterprises that complement the public system, and fostering a spirit of partnership between all stakeholders.
This journey will not be easy, and solutions will not come overnight. But with a commitment to collaboration and a focus on sustainable change, I believe we can create a healthcare system that lives up to its promise—one that provides timely, accessible, and high-quality care for everyone.
Papi Health's Vision
At Papi Health, we believe in bridging the gaps within Canada's healthcare system by creating innovative, accessible, patient-centered solutions that complement universal healthcare. Our vision is to provide individuals—particularly first responders and underserved populations—with tools and services that address their unique needs.
Through initiatives like telemedicine, workplace injury management, chronic care support, and preventive health programs, Papi Health strives to improve access to timely care while easing the burden on the public healthcare system. We aim to foster collaboration among healthcare providers, organizations, and policymakers to ensure our efforts align with the principles of equity and safety.
By empowering patients, supporting providers, and leveraging technology, Papi Health is committed to building a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system that ensures no one has to choose between waiting months for care and accessing innovative solutions that meet their needs today.