Report says 1.5 million children in Canada lack regular access to primary health care

OTTAWA — A Canadian health report has warned of a worsening crisis in medical services for children and youth. It found that about 1.5 million children do not receive regular primary health care, while thousands of others face long waits for necessary treatment and surgeries.

The report, released by Children's Healthcare Canada, called on federal and provincial governments to carry out urgent reforms. It said that continuing under current conditions is no longer acceptable.

Titled Start Strong, the report sets out a national plan to reorganize child health care, with additional funding and better access to specialized services.

1.5 million children without primary health care

The report found that about 1.5 million children in Canada cannot regularly access the primary health care services they need.

These services include regular medical follow-up, preventive screenings, vaccinations, and early diagnosis of health and developmental disorders.

It added that more than half of the children waiting for surgeries needed to improve their lives are waiting longer than the period doctors recommend.

The organization warns that delays in treating children can have long-term health, psychological and educational effects, particularly during the early stages of development.

Canada slipping in child health indicators

Although Canada has one of the world's best-known public health systems, the report showed that child health and well-being outcomes are declining compared with other wealthy countries.

Canada ranked 22nd out of 37 high-income countries on indicators of child health and well-being.

The report also noted that about 1.6 million children and youth live with long-term health conditions, developmental disorders, chronic illnesses and disabilities.

The most vulnerable groups, particularly children in remote communities and low-income families, face added difficulties in obtaining the services they need.

Delayed treatment can have lifelong effects

The report stressed that health care for children differs from services for adults because treatment is tied to sensitive stages of development.

For example, delayed treatment for a child with a speech disorder can lead to lasting difficulties in learning and communication.

Postponing some surgeries can also make treatment more complicated and affect mobility and daily activity.

The organization says that providing care in a timely manner helps avoid future complications and eases the burdens borne by families and the health system.

Call for $10 billion investment

Children's Healthcare Canada called on the federal government to create a national fund for child and youth health, with funding of $10 billion over 10 years.

It proposed distributing the money through agreements with the provinces and territories to ensure that services improve and access widens.

It also called for a national strategy linking health care, education and family services, rather than treating children's needs separately.

The proposed reforms include strengthening community services, developing early screening programs, and improving co-ordination between health and education institutions.

Shortages of doctors and nurses add pressure

The report highlighted shortages of pediatricians, specialists, nurses and mental health workers.

It said these shortages contribute to longer waiting lists and increase families' reliance on emergency departments for services that could have been provided in community clinics.

It called for training more specialists, improving working conditions and pay, and developing multidisciplinary medical teams.

It also stressed the need to support families caring for children with complex illnesses and to make it easier for youth to move from pediatric services to adult health care.

Each dollar invested could return five

The report drew on an economic study by Deloitte showing that each dollar invested in child health care could yield a return of up to five dollars.

The potential return comes from improved health outcomes, lower future costs for families and hospitals, and increased economic productivity over the long term.

Emily Gruenwoldt, president and CEO of the organization, said that building a strong Canada requires ensuring the health of children and youth.

She stressed that reform requires co-operation among governments, service providers, research institutions and communities, rather than relying on temporary solutions.

Will Canadian governments respond to the warnings?

The organization is calling on the federal government, the provinces and the territories to make child health a national priority, with clear targets for shortening wait times and improving the quality of care.

The report comes as Canada faces wide-ranging challenges in providing family doctors and specialized medical services.

Statistics Canada data for 2024 indicate that 89 per cent of children and youth aged one to 17 have a primary health care provider, but the proportion varies by province.

It was 94 per cent in Ontario, compared with 68 per cent in Prince Edward Island, which highlights the geographic disparity in access to care.

The report warns that delaying reforms could worsen health and social problems, while early investment could improve children's futures and ease pressure on the health system in the coming years.