Does Health Care? Accountability Matters for Indigenous Patients.

Abstract

In Canada, there is evidence that Indigenous Peoples have experienced systemic and medical racism directly or indirectly. This commentary discusses the prejudice and racism evident in healthcare throughout history. The narrative then shifts to address medical professionals who do not provide quality treatment, and a guideline is provided for Indigenous patients and clients to enable them to file complaints with licensing boards. The intention is for healthcare professionals to incorporate cultural competency, cultural safety and cultural humility into their practices and, if possible, create a structure that will allow Indigenous patients to voice their concerns.