Racism in health and health care in Europe: where does the Netherlands stand?

Abstract

Racial discrimination is a sensitive and difficult topic. The lack of systematic evidence of racism in many European countries leads to an automatic assumption that racism does not play a role in society. Where evidence exists, there is reluctance to acknowledge the reality of discrimination. Bhopal touched on this sensitive topic and emphasised that if discrimination is left unchecked, the economic, social, scientific and political circumstances that allowed Hitler's policies to flourish could return.1 To most well-meaning people in Europe, the notion of history repeating itself will make very uncomfortable reading. However, recent experiences, including the Srebrenica massacre, the increasing popularity of the right-wing political parties exacerbated by islamophobia, and the social tensions in a number of European countries clearly support this depressing notion. Inequalities in health and health care of ethnic minority groups are evident in many countries. These inequalities are the result of a complex, inextricably linked set of factors, of which racism might be one …