Apotex donation helps MSH respond to urgent capacity needs amid rapid community growth
As Markham and the surrounding region experience rapid population growth, Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) is taking steps to expand capacity and improve access to care — thanks to a gift from Apotex Inc., the Canadian-based global health company.
Oak Valley Health serves York and Durham, two of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions. Population growth — combined with an aging population — is placing increasing pressure on hospital services. Between 2022/23 and 2024/25, MSH saw a 12 per cent increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits, along with corresponding growth in admissions, clinic visits, laboratory services, and diagnostic services.
To help ease these pressures, Apotex has donated a 16,000-square-foot modular building — now named the Apotex Administrative Building — as well as $100,000 to support the hospital’s highest-priority equipment needs. The modular facility, repurposed from Apotex’s own operations, is now installed beside MSH’s ED and used to relocate several key administrative teams.
The move frees up critical space within the hospital, creating room to expand both the ED and The Nanji Family Mental Health Services — two areas under significant strain from rising demand.
“Population growth in our region has outpaced our hospital’s physical space,” says Mark Fam, president and CEO of Oak Valley Health. “This gift allows us to move quickly to relieve capacity pressures, expand emergency and mental health services, and enhance the patient experience — without the delays of new construction. It’s an innovative and sustainable solution that benefits everyone.”
Apotex’s contribution reflects its commitment to improving access to care and supporting community well-being. “As a force for health, we support care that’s rooted in the community and aligned with real needs. This contribution helps Oak Valley Health expand access, grow with its population, and strengthen long-term resilience across the health system. It’s one of the ways our Journey of Health strategy translates into meaningful, sustained impact,” says Ray Shelley, president of Apotex Canada.
Government funding alone can’t meet all of the hospital’s needs, which is why partnerships like this are so vital.
“We are incredibly grateful to Apotex for their forward-thinking approach of generosity,” says Suzette Strong, CEO of MSH Foundation. “Their commitment will have a lasting impact on our hospital’s ability to remain a leader in providing exceptional care close to home, for generations to come.”
Photo (L-R): Mark Fam, president and CEO of Oak Valley Health; Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt; Ray Shelley, President of Apotex Canada; Elena Pacheco, VP & COO of Oak Valley Health; and MSH Foundation VP of Development Rosanna Petricca.