Toronto’s New Health Chief Tackles Affordability and Public Health

Dr. Michelle Murti, Toronto’s newly appointed medical officer of health, is prioritizing the affordability crisis affecting the city’s residents. Since officially taking her position on September 3, 2023, Murti has emphasized how financial instability impacts health outcomes, stating, “People not having stable housing, not being able to afford food or medicine, directly affects their ability to live healthily in the city.”

In her role, Murti oversees one of Canada’s largest public health units, facing challenges ranging from drug addiction to vaccination rates and staffing shortages. Her calm demeanor belies the urgency of the issues at hand, a testament to her extensive experience in public health. Raised in Etobicoke and North Toronto, she pursued degrees in biomedical engineering and medicine at the University of Toronto.

Murti’s journey to public health was motivated by her desire to address broader social determinants of health. “If they didn’t have enough money to buy food or afford the medicines I prescribed, that’s not something I could fix as a physician,” she explained, leading her to focus on the community’s larger health challenges.

Addressing the Affordability Crisis

Murti is particularly concerned about the affordability crisis, an issue that resonates with her personal background. Her mother, a refugee from the Czech Republic, faced significant challenges upon arriving in Canada. “They brought nothing but a small suitcase and a few words of English,” Murti recalls. This experience informs her commitment to community initiatives, including a school nutrition program currently operating in over 600 schools in Toronto, with plans to expand to more than 800 schools by the 2026/27 school year.

The affordability crisis is compounded by other pressing health challenges in Toronto. The provincial government recently announced a transition from supervised consumption sites to Homelessness, Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, a decision that has faced criticism from advocates. “It has certainly taken an arrow out of our quiver,” Murti noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to treatment options for those struggling with substance use.

Confronting Health Challenges and Staffing Issues

In addition to addressing affordability and addiction, Murti is tackling vaccine hesitancy, especially in light of recent measles outbreaks in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Although Toronto was not severely affected, she acknowledged that large populations remain unprotected. To combat this, Toronto Public Health (TPH) is implementing a catch-up vaccination program for children in grades two to five who missed measles vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Murti also faces significant organizational challenges within TPH. A risk management report released in April revealed a troubling trend of staff exodus due to retirement and burnout following the pandemic. “I don’t think we’re the only organization going through this,” she said, highlighting the urgency of addressing staffing shortages as many employees become eligible for retirement in the coming years.

The city’s hiring freeze for non-essential staff complicates efforts to fill critical positions. “We need public health nurses on the front line, providing vaccines and being in the community,” Murti stated. She emphasized the need for data management personnel to ensure effective communication and analysis of health data.

Looking ahead, Murti is preparing for significant events, such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will attract an influx of international visitors to Toronto. TPH is planning a pilot project to monitor pathogens entering the city through a federally funded wastewater testing program. This initiative aims to detect infections that may accompany large gatherings, including rare diseases like polio.

As she navigates these challenges, Murti remains committed to improving the health of Toronto’s diverse population. Her blend of personal experience and professional expertise positions her as a proactive leader, ready to address the multifaceted health issues facing the city.