ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to analyze the historical development of the Zimbabwean medical profession and the health services under colonialism. It examines the provision and organization of health services for the white settlers, urban black working class, and rural-based blacks, in that order. The chapter analyses the role of the medical profession in health care provision and policy making under colonialism. It discusses the last minute frenetic attempts made by the medical profession, the health insurance organizations and the state to ensure that the private health sector would survive under a black majority government. The provision of health services under colonialism reflected the existing political, socio-economic and racially based inequalities. The medical profession was able to effectively oppose some health policies through the activities of British Medical Association local branches which actively lobbied Government and, in turn, were regularly consulted by the government on health policy.
