A Tale of Two Health Care Systems

On Friday afternoon, I visited a private hospital. However, this was not the ordinary type of facility I have seen before. Most of our previous excursions have been to the public sector- a very different system in terms of resource availability, staff quantity, overall appearance, and patient population. This particular facility was well supplied and managed. It was as if I had been transported back to Illinois for a typical day of work at Evanston Hospital.

In immediate contrast to this private hospital is the plethora of public health care sites that are (often) dilapidated, poorly resourced, and overcrowded with patients- many of whom do not have health insurance (let alone stable employment or a permanent living structure). The disease demographic is different as well. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and violence-related injuries comprise the bulk of the medical cases seen by the staff at public clinics and hospitals. In contrast, the private sector typically interacts with patients suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases.

These two vastly different medical systems symbolize the much larger socio-economic divides that have plagued this country for centuries (and are getting worse by the year). To drive past affluent gated communities to get to the townships where I interact with people who are living among scrap metal is a powerful experience. Something that lingers on my conscience long after the day is finished.

Yet, the optimist in me is convinced that it is this precise emotional turbulence that will be the catalyst for positive change. A change brought about by the hard work, dedication, and compassion of individuals who are committed to promoting social justice (in my case, social justice through public health equity). To quote American anthropoligist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

(Other photos include my recent excursion to Table Mountain and the
Bo-Kaap district of Cape Town).