Solving Healthcare Media with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. The healthcare system is experiencing a critical crisis. A significant number of individuals are struggling with the inaccessibility of primary healthcare services, such as refilling prescriptions or undergoing necessary tests, due to a lack of family doctors or primary care providers. This urgent situation calls for innovative and creative solutions. One of the key strategies is to fully utilize our foreign-trained graduates. Many Canadians who received their medical training abroad face bureaucratic hurdles that delay their integration into the healthcare workforce. By streamlining their entry, we can significantly bolster our medical personnel. Another essential approach is incentivizing primary care. This could involve better compensation for general practitioners (GPs) or offering discounted medical education for those choosing to specialize in family practice or general practice. Incentives would attract more professionals to this vital field. Leveraging the skills of nurse practitioners and pharmacists in prescribing medications is also a feasible and effective strategy. With appropriate safeguards, these professionals can play a crucial role in easing the burden on the healthcare system. A remarkable innovation in Renfrew involves virtual emergency triage. This system allows patients with minor ailments to receive advice or prescription renewals through virtual consultations. This not only provides quick and efficient care but also reduces the unnecessary crowding of emergency rooms. Additionally, the concept of a virtual primary care physician is gaining traction. Patients in one location could have a virtual family doctor in another, who can then coordinate tests and treatments locally. This approach could be scaled up nationally to provide widespread benefits. Lastly, the idea of national licensure for medical professionals could revolutionize healthcare delivery. By removing provincial barriers, doctors and specialists could offer their services across the country, greatly enhancing the accessibility and quality of care. In conclusion, it's time for action. We need to think outside the box and implement these innovative solutions to address our healthcare crisis. Our country's well-being depends on it, and we must move swiftly to ensure everyone receives the care they need. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kwadcast.substack.com/subscribe