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Coast Salish Territory – The First Nations Health Authority's (FNHA) accelerated launch of the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program ensures primary health care remains accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic to all First Nations people living in British Columbia.

The program—created in partnership with the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc)—provides virtual appointments with doctors who are trained in the principles of cultural safety and humility, and are familiar with the unique aspects of rural and remote community health care.

FNHA's ongoing priority is to remove physical and historical barriers to culturally-safe, appropriate primary care. Now, a simple phone call and one-click process connects clients with the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day through video conference or telephone appointment. First Nations clients have timely access to a quality service even during a pandemic.

First Nations clients in BC who do not have a doctor of their own, or have lost access due to COVID-19, can call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment or email virtualdoctor@rccbc.ca. Appointments are facilitated by a team of trained Medical Office Assistants who will work with the client's schedule.​

“The Virtual Doctor of the Day program from the FNHA is an innovative use of telehealth technology that provides a vital primary care option for First Nations people in BC during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Charlene Belleau, Chairperson of the First Nations Health Council. “This program is an example of why the FNHA was created from the vision of BC First Nations leaders – to self-determine the kind of culturally safe health services that meet the needs of Indigenous patients, particularly Elders and Knowledge Keepers."