Premier Doug Ford is being accused of not taking the crisis in health care seriously.
Published reports suggest nearly 2,000 patients each day receive hospital care in an unconventional space like a hallway.
Liberal Health Critic Doctor Adil Shamji says he has treated and continues to treat patients in similar settings.
“It’s undignified, it’s unfair. It’s not the kind of healthcare that I’m proud to deliver, and it’s not the kind of healthcare that Minister Jones and Premier Doug Ford should be proud of,” says Dr. Shamji.
“But that is exactly the kind of healthcare that they have brought to the province of Ontario.”
Dr. Shamji says the Premier’s decision to expand alcohol sales to convenience and more big box stores shows that his priorities are messed up.
“More people than ever without a family doctor. Ford’s reaction? Cheers to health and happiness. Emergency departments closing across the province. His reaction? Hold my beer. Hospitals shutting down and elderly patients being fined $400 a day unless they are forcibly discharged from hospital. His answer? Take two brewskis, call me in the morning.”
“Doug Ford is obsessed with alcohol when he should be obsessed with your healthcare.”
Dr. Shamji is also critical of the government’s response to the shortage of healthcare workers.
He says the government is refusing to take action on worker retention or address issues like mental health and burnout that are causing healthcare workers to leave the profession or the province.
Dr. Shamji admits the fix will take time but can start by spending the unspent money the government has initially earmarked for healthcare.
