25th Annual Student Research Conference
Obstacles and Innovations: The Challenges of Health Care in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Erin E. Medin
Dr. Elaine McDuff, Faculty Mentor
A system wrought with blatant inequality, apartheid in South Africa assured that the social, economic, and political status of a person was firmly rooted in that persons race. An oppressive white minority controlled the wealth and livelihood of their black and coloured neighbors and determined, directly or indirectly, the quality of their health care. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the new South African government has worked to guarantee all South African citizens, regardless of race, their proclaimed constitutional right to quality health care. Despite significant and admirable reforms by the post-apartheid government, an overburdened system and lingering apartheid inequalities have prevented South Africa from achieving truly equitable and accessible health care for all. This research explores the unique challenges of providing health care in South Africa while also conducting a case study of how one primary health care clinic in Cape Town is addressing these challenges.
Keywords: South Africa, Health care, chronic care, apartheid, Tafelsig, democracy, human rights, Cape Town
Topic(s):Democracy and Human Rights in South Africa
Sociology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 101-10
Location: VH 1324
Time: 9:30