Ontario’s chronic disease crisis is escalating. Real progress requires shifting from reactive care to proactive health management.
Ontario faces a growing health crisis as chronic conditions like diabetes affect more residents each year. Our current healthcare system, which was created decades ago and built to treat immediate medical issues, struggles with long-term health management.
Chronic diseases are one of the leading causes of death and disability in Ontario and put a significant strain on our already stretched healthcare system. It is estimated that by 2040, over three million adults in Ontario will need to manage serious chronic conditions – a dramatic 72 per cent increase from 2020. Additionally, co-morbidities and related health challenges create a ripple effect, with one condition often triggering the other.
Despite the Ontario government’s unanimous passage of Motion 45 in 2023 – a recommendation that the Minister of Health develop a Chronic Disease Strategy, starting with diabetes – practical implementation has stalled. Ontario can begin to shift its focus from reacting to chronic diseases toward preventing, mitigating, and managing them, starting with these actions:
- First, prevention through public education starting in schools, following successful models like anti-smoking campaigns.
- Second, early detection by expanding pharmacy-based screening programs, utilizing accessible community touchpoints.
- Third, embracing innovation through remote monitoring and digital health solutions that have already shown success in pilot programs.
- Finally, simplifying treatment access by reducing administrative hurdles for patients with lifelong conditions.
Real progress requires shifting from reactive care to proactive health management and Ontario has a proud history of medical innovation. With commitment and vision, we can transform our healthcare system to meet today’s challenges while improving quality of life for millions.
Read more about Life Sciences Ontario’s vision paper on Chronic Disease Strategy: lifesciencesontario.ca/advocacy/goingupstreamvisionpaper/
