One million people connected to primary care in B.C. since 2018

ONE million people in British Columbia are now connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner since 2018.

That is the year government launched actions to make it easier and faster for people to access primary care closer to home.

“Having a family doctor or nurse practitioner is one of the most important foundations of good health,” said Premier David Eby on Wednesday. “It means having someone who knows you, understands your medical history, and can help you stay healthy throughout your life. Connecting one million more people to primary care shows that our plan is working, but we know there is more to do. We won’t stop until every British Columbian who wants a family doctor or nurse practitioner has one.”

Government’s efforts to ensure more people have access to primary care are getting results. Overall, approximately 80% of B.C.’s population now have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This represents 4.47 million people. Over the past three years, more than 700,000 people have been connected to a primary care provider.

“Connecting one million people to a family doctor or nurse practitioner is a significant milestone in our work to build a public health-care system that works better for people,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Health. “We are working hard and fast to make sure that everyone gets the high-quality care they need, when they need it and closer to home.”

Connecting more people to a primary care provider is part of government’s efforts to strengthen B.C.’s health-care system. The Province launched a system in 2023 to get a comprehensive picture of matches to primary care providers in the province. This includes the Health Connect Registry, where people can sign up if they are seeking a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

“When you have a doctor or nurse practitioner who knows you, it makes such a difference in how you treat your own health care and, most importantly, the support you get when something changes with your health,” said Stephanie Higginson, parliamentary secretary for primary care access. “We’re focused on making sure more people have that trusted relationship and the confidence that comes with knowing where to turn.”

Through the Health Human Resources Strategy, launched in 2022, the Province is training, recruiting and retaining more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. While B.C.’s population increased by 15% between 2017 and 2025, the number of longitudinal family doctors has increased by 33%, and the number of nurse practitioners has tripled. An update on recruitment will be provided soon.

As well, the first cohort of 48 students has started class at B.C.’s new medical school, the Simon Fraser University Stephens Family School of Medicine in Surrey. As enrolment grows in phases to 120 students annually, more people will have the opportunity to train closer to home for careers in medicine, while helping meet the province’s growing need for doctors.

Quick Fact:

* As of September 2026, 323,000 people are registered with the Health Connect Registry.