The Ontario Medical Association is sounding the alarm after the Liberal government announced it would eliminate 50 medical residency places over two years.

The OMA says there are still 800,000 people in Ontario who do not have a family physician, and warns that cutting the number of residency spaces will lead to doctor shortages and longer wait times for patients.

OMA president Dr. Mike Toth calls the elimination of 50 first-year residency spaces irresponsible and unacceptable, and says the government is being short-sighted.

Toth says Ontario needs more doctors, not fewer, especially with an aging and growing population, and notes the OMA was not consulted about the decision.

The Ministry of Health says there will be 988 dedicated medical residency positions for Ontario graduates after the 50 cuts are completed, up from 639 spots in 2004.