In a significant move towards bolstering healthcare accessibility in Ontario, MPP Amarjot Sandhu has announced the provincial government’s initial investment of $9 million through the 2024 budget, “Building a Better Ontario,” to kickstart the design and planning phase for York University’s forthcoming medical school in Vaughan.
The groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal step towards fulfilling Ontario’s commitment to ensuring residents have access to essential healthcare services closer to home. With a focus on training primary care physicians, the new medical school at York University is poised to become the first of its kind in Canada, catering to the evolving needs of Ontario’s healthcare landscape.
Premier Doug Ford underscored the significance of the investment, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in York Region and beyond. By prioritizing the training of family doctors, the new medical school aims to address critical gaps in primary care services, aligning with the government’s broader efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility for all Ontarians.
The York University medical school is projected to accommodate up to 80 undergraduate seats and up to 102 postgraduate seats upon its anticipated launch in September 2028. With a long-term vision to expand its capacity, the school aims to offer up to 240 undergraduate seats and 293 postgraduate seats annually, significantly bolstering Ontario’s healthcare workforce.
Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop, highlighted the broader implications of the investment, emphasizing its role in advancing Ontario’s reputation for excellence in postsecondary education. By prioritizing the training of primary care physicians, the government aims to ensure that communities across Ontario, including those in York, Simcoe, and Muskoka, have access to quality healthcare services closer to home.
Amarjot Sandhu’s endorsement of the budget proposal and primary care training efforts underscores his concerns regarding the current state of the Province of Ontario and the city of Brampton in the Peel Region. Mr. Sandhu further added that the establishment of this new medical school will ensure that Ontario residents maintain access to essential care within their local communities
The announcement aligns with the government’s overarching vision outlined in the 2024 Budget, “Building a Better Ontario,” which prioritizes investments in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development. As Ontario continues to chart a path towards a more resilient healthcare system, initiatives like the York University medical school exemplify a commitment to putting people’s health and well-being at the forefront of policy decisions.