The Family Practitioner in a changing South Africa: Who will care for the underserved?
Keywords:
Physicians, Family, Demography, Rural Population
Abstract
The principles of family practice have universal validity and family practitioners are able to positively influence the health of individuals and communities. However, the non-availabilities of family doctors within certain areas in South Africa continues to deprive already disadvantaged communities of adequate health care and threatens the advancement of the discipline of family practice. This paper briefly describes the role of the family practitioner. Thereafter the problem of maldistribution of family practitioners is discussed and some suggestions offered for redressing the problem.
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