Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin pressed Health Minister Sylvia Jones on the critical shortage of family physicians and specialists in Northern Ontario during Question Period.
Mantha says rural and norther communities are struggling to ensure residents have access to a physician and primary care, adding his office is constantly hearing from individuals and families who are waiting years to be matched with a family doctor.
Mantha adds according to research by the Ontario College of Family Physicians released in February, 2.2 million Ontarians are currently without a family doctor, with a shortage of 350 family doctors and specialists in the North alone.
Mantha is calling on the government to immediately take measures to recruit the 350 needed positions and retain healthcare professionals already working in the North.
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