Medicine and health care in South Africa

The invitation to describe briefly health and medical care in South Africa — a large country that has inhabitants with a wide range of socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds and that is torn apart by internal strife and internationally vilified for its immoral policies — is a daunting challenge. The policies of apartheid pervade and taint every aspect of life in this country, including all efforts and achievements of individuals and institutions toward eliminating racially discriminatory practices and delivering health care equitably. Apartheid is indefensible. It has had serious adverse effects on health and human dignity.1 2 3 This much is beyond . . .