On structural exclusion by private hospitals.

It is deliberate.

Black doctors struggle to get admitting rights in hospitals which are centrally located where the population served also has good medical aids plan.

Patients- largely will consult accross colour lines.

At least my experience tells me that white patients are as likely to consult a black specialist as are black patients.

So the idea that patients will not consult us is not true.

Dr Maseko the first black female neurosurgeon ran a very successful practice in Kempton Park.

But our colleagues will find any reason to keep us out.

And the three main groups often will not let, especially outspoken black practitioners, to work from their most profitable hospitals.

That’s the racism we face in healthcare. And then there is the DSP story.

Patients elect to have a black specialist and are deliberate about it.

They are penalized by medical aid and have to pay prohibitive co-payments.

Even ambulances coach patients away from black owned private hospitals.

But we prosper anyway because word of mouth.

And I always insist- continue with your racism but the skill on these hands and the IQ between these ears- you can’t take that away from me.

My abilities- shame you can’t touch them and patients will find me under a rock and insist!