Tillsonburg Explores Municipal Clinic to Address Doctor Shortage

The town of Tillsonburg, Ontario, is taking steps to address its pressing doctor shortage by considering the establishment of a municipally operated medical clinic. The Tillsonburg council has approved a motion to conduct a feasibility study to assess whether this model could effectively attract and retain family physicians in the area.

As the demand for primary care continues to rise, residents like Mary Arthur are feeling the impact. Arthur, who suffers from debilitating arthritis, has struggled for months to find a family doctor, leaving her without access to the necessary medication for her condition. “My pills, I need them, because here, it’s not good,” she remarked, reflecting the frustration shared by many in the community.

According to the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), approximately 2.5 million Ontarians currently lack a family doctor, a situation that is particularly acute in Tillsonburg. Coun. Kelly Spencer highlighted the issue, noting, “Our population has grown, so there’s more people. There are individuals driving two hours to see their old doctors from their previous towns or cities.”

The proposed model for a municipally operated clinic would see the town directly employ family physicians, aiming to create a cost-neutral solution without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers. Spencer emphasized, “We, like everyone else, are short of physicians and primary care practitioners. We have doctors retiring, and so this would be a way for the town to generate revenue while addressing the physician shortage.”

Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, President of the OMA, expressed concerns about the implications of municipalities competing to attract healthcare providers. “I do worry that when we start to push for these municipalities to provide buildings or incentives, it really starts to pit communities against each other,” she explained. This competition may lead to disparities in healthcare access, with some communities benefiting while others suffer.

The feasibility study is expected to be presented to the Tillsonburg council in the spring of 2024. If the initiative moves forward, it could mark a significant first for Ontario, setting a precedent for other municipalities facing similar challenges.

For residents like Mary Arthur, the urgency of the situation is palpable. “What can I do? Nothing. I just wait and hope to God, and hope it’s still, and hope it’s okay. I don’t know,” she shared, conveying the anxiety many feel in the face of inadequate healthcare resources.

As Tillsonburg navigates this complex issue, the outcome of the feasibility study may prove pivotal in shaping the town’s healthcare landscape and improving access for its residents.