the high cost of care: inside the struggles of primary care clinic owners
in recent years, numerous alberta clinics have had to file for bankruptcy or close entirely, leaving thousands of albertans without a doctor.
published feb 13, 2026
3 minute read
3 minute read
clinic owner dr. shafeena premji says that meaningful change will only happen if both policymakers and the public truly understand the essential role primary care clinics play within alberta's health-care system. getty
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dr. shafeena premji manages a demanding life as a physician, mother and owner of multiple primary care clinics in calgary. her two established clinics — mahogany medical clinic and village medical clinic — are modern, inviting facilities specializing in family medicine, women’s health and menopause care. located in vibrant and growing neighborhoods, these clinics offer essential health-care services that community members depend on.
yet, despite their vital importance in the community, primary care clinics — such as those operated by dr. premji — are facing significant challenges that if not urgently addressed by the government, could have a direct and devastating impact on the health care available to albertans.
like many clinic owners, dr. premji constantly juggles providing quality patient care with handling the complex responsibilities of running a business — from managing finances and operations to supervising staff. this difficult balance is taking a significant toll on primary care clinic owners, and in recent years, numerous alberta clinics have had to file for bankruptcy or close entirely, leaving thousands of albertans without a doctor.
primary care clinics are reimbursed by the government through a fee-for-service system, meaning that physicians and clinics bill the government for each individual service or patient visit they provide, such as consultations, physical exams or medical procedures. while this system compensates clinics based on the quantity of care delivered, it does not account for the growing overhead costs required to operate a modern medical practice.
factors such as inflation, rising rent, increased insurance premiums, higher salaries to attract and retain qualified staff, and the need for advanced technology and electronic medical records all contribute to escalating expenses.
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dr. premji points out, “my monthly costs can be as high as $45,000. on top of all this, i’m responsible for operations and patient care. “there is a common misconception that the services provided by primary care clinics are fully government funded and come at no cost to the clinic owners. in reality, clinic owners are running a business, and maintaining these essential services requires significant financial and personal investment.”
dr. shafeena premji owns multiple primary care clinics in calgary. supplied
fortunately, the alberta primary care clinic owners association (apccoa) has emerged as a crucial advocate for clinic owners. the apccoa raises awareness of the importance of primary care clinics and the urgent need for more funding and support.
dr. andrew kohler, owner of callingwood crossing medical clinic and president of the apccoa, emphasizes that clinic owners are the foundation of community health care and their voices need to be heard. “they are the ones who invest, employ staff and hold the system together. some have gone bankrupt, while others work without pay to ensure patients continue to have access to care. clinic owners deserve respect — and they deserve better.”
seeing the many benefits to apccoa membership, dr. premji joined the association last year. she explains, “as a young female physician and entrepreneur, i often felt isolated and unheard. the apccoa gives us a unified voice and has launched a collective effort to highlight our challenges and work toward real solutions.”
however, dr. premji suggests that meaningful change will only happen if both policymakers and the public truly understand the essential role primary care clinics play within the health-care system. fortunately, the apccoa stands at the forefront of this advocacy, amplifying the voices of clinic owners and highlighting the urgent needs facing community health care.
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as apccoa president dr. andrew kohler puts it, “our clinics are more than just businesses — they’re lifelines. supporting them means investing in healthier communities, stronger families and a brighter future for all albertans.”
for more information or to join, visit www.apccoa.ca or contact info@apccoa.ca.
this story was provided by apccoa for commercial purposes.
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