The Ford government is investing another $213-million to ensure every Ontario resident has a family doctor by 2029.
As many as 2 million Ontarians don't.
An uptake for proposals just over a year ago created another 75 teams, giving 300,000 people access to a primary care provider.
It has opened applications again with the goal of creating or expanding another 80 teams across the province. Eventually, the government wants 305 teams across Ontario.
"In some places, family teams or community health centres already exist, and they simply want to add to their team or perhaps add a satellite site," said Doctor Jane Philpott, chair of the Ontario Primary Care Action Team. "We know there are big gaps and many thousands of people who don't have family doctors, and this is a great way for people to be able to get access to primary care."
The province is investing another $22-million so existing primary care teams can recruit and retain the workforce they need to deliver high-quality healthcare.
Applications are due May 2.
"It's a fast turnaround, but we know people are enthusiastic, and they've been thinking about this for some time and waiting for the call to submit proposals," added Philpott.
Once the teams are named this summer, everyone on the Health Care Connect waitlist, as of January 1, 2025, will be connected to a primary care team over the next year.
