Ontario's Naturopathic Doctors Respond to the Ontario Budget

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario's 2013 Budget reiterated the government's goal to make Ontario the healthiest place in North America by encouraging more efficient delivery of services and treatments.

Each day, Ontario's 1,200 regulated naturopathic doctors are providing the kind of health care that Ontario's Action Plan calls for with no additional cost to government. Naturopathic doctors not only help keep their patients healthy, they are experts in addressing preventable risk factors by managing or even reversing chronic disease, such as diabetes and hypertension, lowering patients' reliance on expensive pharmaceuticals, and more.

As primary care providers, naturopathic doctors are providing Ontario patients choice of efficient delivery of service and reducing unnecessary and expensive visits to Emergency Rooms through preventative care.

"It is estimated that 80% of Ontarians by the age of 45 will suffer from a chronic disease. Many of these diseases are preventable," said Elias Markou, ND, Chair of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. "As naturopathic doctors, we work collaboratively to provide faster access to primary care for Ontario's already over-burdened healthcare system, saving health care millions of dollars in the process."

The Minister of Health, Deb Matthews, has stated she recognizes the importance of all health professions "contributing their full potential to the benefit of their patients."

The new Naturopathy Act is intended to modernize the regulation of naturopathic doctors, allowing them to practise to their full scope of training. Ontario's naturopathic doctors' model of care supports Ontario's goal of Better Care, and Better Value for Ontario's Money.

About the OAND

The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) represents Ontario's registered NDs. Naturopathic doctors are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.  Naturopathic care is covered by most group insurance programs.

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors

Or for a referral to a naturopathic doctor please contact:

Nicole Curling
Phone: [phone] ext 228
Email: [email protected]