Family Practice: Special Gategory, Speciality or simply Special People?

Abstract

Family doctors are seeking more recognition for the special role that they play in the health system of South Africa. They want a greater say in the formulation of public health policies affecting the lives of their patients and their own working environment, but also in the way medical doctors are trained in this country to become generalists. They also want more recognition and support for their efforts to improve their own skills and the standard of care they deliver to their patients.After all, at least 70% of medical doctors in this country are general practitioners. They form the backbone of the medical services in both the urban and rural areas, where they are always in the forefront of the battle against disease and human suffering.