A recent report from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has revealed concerning statistics regarding racism in the Australian healthcare system. According to the 2025 Health of the Nation report, nearly one-third of general practitioners (GPs) have witnessed instances of racism directed at patients within the health system over the past year.
The comprehensive survey included responses from over 2,400 RACGP members and highlighted that approximately 20% of GPs have personally experienced racism from patients in their practices. Additionally, about 10% reported facing racist behavior from colleagues. These figures underscore a troubling trend that points to systemic issues within healthcare.
Call for Action Against Systemic Racism
Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, emphasized that these statistics are indicative of a larger problem. “Racism in the health system is an issue that affects healthcare workers and patients alike. It is not something we can ignore, and it is certainly not something that will fix itself,” he stated.
The report’s findings suggest a critical need for comprehensive action and resources to combat systemic racism throughout the health system, including general practice. Dr Wright continued, “The message is unmistakeable: Racism is bad for people’s health, and patients and GPs must be protected from it.”
To address these issues, the RACGP has begun implementing initiatives such as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and health training framework aimed at promoting culturally safe care. However, Dr Wright has urged for broader measures to eradicate racism across the healthcare landscape.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Dr Wright advocated for the establishment of a taskforce dedicated to implementing recommendations from the National Anti-Racism Framework. He stressed that it is essential for all stakeholders to understand the impacts of systemic racism in health. “We all have a role to play in understanding the impacts of systemic racism in health,” he noted.
The RACGP is calling on the government to allocate funding for resources that can effectively monitor, measure, and prevent racism in primary care settings, including general practices. Dr Wright remarked on the complexity of racism, describing it as multifaceted and often invisible. “You can’t address racism until you can measure how prevalent it is,” he stated.
Emphasizing the health consequences of racism, Dr Wright highlighted its significant impact on stress levels and the resulting poorer health outcomes, which can include conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and psychological distress. He pointed out that racism can also deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care, thereby exacerbating health disparities.
“No one should be at risk of discrimination when seeking healthcare, and no GP should feel unsafe in their own workplace,” Dr Wright concluded. He reiterated the importance of co-designing health policies with input from patients and healthcare providers from culturally and racially marginalized backgrounds, advocating for meaningful reforms to ensure a safe healthcare environment for all Australians.
