I find it not surprising that the only MRI machines are in hospital medical facilities.
Here they're privatized and readily available to anyone regardless of the severity of injury or illness. In fact, one such group called Basha Diagnostics actually advertises their services on local TV.
4 years ago I injured my shoulder playing softball, two days later I was able to see my orthopedist who prescribed an MRI and 5 days after that I had the MRI at a private facility about 2 miles away.......When I called to make the appointment they asked me "what time is convenient for you, morning or afternoon...?"
Actually there are several private MRI clinics in many of the provinces. The article is talking about OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). If you want one done privately , outside of OHIP , you can get one in a day or two. But you’re going to pay for it out of your own pocket.