Embrace All: Role of Family Physicians in Addressing Health Inequality

Abstract

There is a clear link between poverty and poor health. What is more is that health inequities are not simply dichotomously distributed among the rich and the poor, but also occur within socioeconomic classes. A wealth of evidence by the late Barbara Starfield has shown that inequity is built into health systems and the strength of a country’s primary health care system will significantly improve health of the people. The role and achievements of primary care in reducing inequity uniquely positions us as important advocators for expansion of primary care services for marginalized groups. In this Discussion Forum, Dr. Wong will share, with evidence and some of his own work in working with female sex workers, gay community, migrants and recently African refugees in Hong Kong, that there is an indissoluble link between health equity and our success as a discipline in making a difference for our patients that heavily relies on all frontline doctors and health professionals to advocate for greater socioeconomic equity and the health rewards that would follow; and, to provide a commentary on the challenges faced and how we could address them as a profession and institution.