A survey by the Commonwealth Fund (CMWF), a private research group based in the United States, found that the proportion of Canadians 18 and older who have access to primary care has fallen from 93 percent in 2016 to 86 percent in 2023.

While 86 percent is high, the fund's report suggests that about four million Canadian adults are unable to get care.

The study based its findings on responses from people who have access to a doctor or somewhere to get help.

The Netherlands topped the list with 97 percent, followed by New Zealand (97), the United Kingdom (97), and Germany (96).

The next group includes Australia (94), Switzerland (92) and France (91).

And finally, Sweden (88), the United States (87) and, alas, Canada (86%).

In 2023, only 26% of those surveyed were able to see a doctor on the same or next day.

This is much lower than 46% in 2016, and “significantly lower” than the CMWF average of 42%.

And only 23% were able to get help in the evening, on weekends and holidays, without going to hospital emergency rooms.

Yuri B