Primary Care

British Columbia is facing an unprecedented primary care crisis. Despite significant government investment and initiatives aimed at increasing access, hundreds of thousands of British Columbians remain without a primary care provider. The system is under immense pressure—patients are waiting longer, travelling farther, and often struggling to access the timely care they need.


NDs are already providing primary care services to patients across BC. They deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care, including managing chronic diseases, conducting physical exams, prescribing medications, ordering diagnostic tests, and offering preventive health strategies. Many British Columbians rely on their naturopathic doctor as their first—and often only—point of contact for healthcare. 


Yet, despite this critical role, NDs remain excluded from provincial strategies to address the primary care shortage. Government efforts to expand access have focused almost exclusively on traditional models of care, often overlooking qualified, regulated professionals who are already alleviating pressure on the system. 

What Needs to Change 

If BC is serious about solving the primary care crisis, it must include all qualified providers in its strategy. Naturopathic doctors are a ready and willing part of the solution. Recognizing and integrating NDs as part of BC’s primary care framework would expand access for thousands of British Columbians—immediately. 

BCND’s Advocacy Priorities in Primary Care 

• Recognition of NDs as Primary Care Providers-NDs are trained, regulated health professionals providing front-line care. It’s time provincial policy formally acknowledges the role NDs play in delivering primary care services. 
• Inclusion in Primary Care Initiatives and Team-Based Care Models– BCND is advocating for naturopathic doctors to be integrated into team-based primary care networks, urgent and primary care centres (UPCCs), and other provincial healthcare initiatives. 
• Equitable Access to Diagnostic and Treatment Resources-Expanding NDs’ access to publicly funded laboratory and diagnostic services is essential for providing complete, patient-centred primary care. 
• Utilization of the Existing ND Workforce-At a time when BC is streamlining credentialing for U.S.-trained medical doctors and nurses to address healthcare shortages, we are calling on government to also recognize and leverage the fully trained, licensed naturopathic doctors who are already working in communities across BC. 

A Collaborative Approach, with Room for Improvement 

BCND continues to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to advocate for practical solutions that improve access to care. However, the current approach to primary care reform must evolve to include all qualified providers if we hope to build a sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of all British Columbians. 

Naturopathic doctors are ready to help. We look forward to continued dialogue with government, grounded in a shared commitment to accessible, patient-centred care.