Providing Access to Healthcare for Patients in Rural Communities
Bridging the Distance Between Patients and Care
In a country as vast as Canada, approximately 20% of the population lives in rural, remote, coastal, or northern communities, yet only about 8% of physicians practice in these areas. As a result, many Canadians are forced to travel more than 30 kilometres – often in harsh weather and with limited transportation options – just to see a doctor or access hospital services. These geographical barriers make it challenging for individuals in these regions to obtain timely, consistent, and comprehensive care, particularly for chronic conditions and preventive health needs.
The proportion of Indigenous Peoples living off-reserve without a regular healthcare provider is significantly higher than that of non-Indigenous Canadians. Many reports persistent barriers to accessing care, including limited availability of local services, long travel distances, and systemic inequities that make it difficult to obtain consistent, culturally appropriate healthcare.
At MediVolo Canada, we believe that where you live should never determine the quality of care you receive. Our mission is to connect patients in underserved communities with qualified healthcare professionals through secure, accessible, and technology-driven virtual care.
The Challenge
Despite Canada’s commitment to universal healthcare, disparities persist:.
- 20% of Canadians live in rural areas, but only 8% of physicians practice there.
(Source: Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine, 2020) - Rural residents face longer wait times and fewer local healthcare options
compared to urban populations.
(Source: Canadian Institute for Health Information – CIHI) - Nearly 1 in 4 emergency department visits in rural areas are for conditions
that could have been managed in primary care settings.
(Source: CIHI, 2023) - The rural nursing workforce is declining, falling from 11.1% in 2013 to 9.6% in
2022. (Source: CIHI, State of the Health Workforce in Canada, 2022) - Indigenous and northern communities experience the greatest health inequities, facing barriers in access, resourcing, and culturally safe care.
(Source: Indigenous Health Narrative Review, 2023)
Our Commitment
MediVolo is dedicated to closing this gap by:
- Virtual-first approach: Connect with licensed healthcare professionals quickly
through secure digital platforms from the comfort of their homes — no travel, no
waiting rooms. - Extended availability: Flexible scheduling and after-hours consultations make it easier to access care when it is needed most.
- Expanding reach — supporting clinicians in providing remote consultations, chronic care management, and preventive health services.
- Enhancing health equity by bringing healthcare access to Indigenous, northern,
and underserved populations.
