Sama 'sorry' for chairperson's medical school admission comments
The South African Medical Association (Sama) has apologised for comments made by its chairperson about medical school admission requirements and race as a deciding factor.
Sama says Dr Angelique Coetzee expressed her personal opinions during an interview with a Cape Town-based radio station.
A statement by the Association explains that Coetzee referred to the admission process to the country's medical schools as highly politicised.
She said that race played a significant role in determining acceptance to faculties - in many instances more than an applicant's matric performance.
READ: 'Unforeseen difficulties' hinder repairs at lower Tugela
Coetzee went on to say that different criteria exist for different race groups with regard to admission requirements.
Sama says its Board has accepted Coetzee's apology for any emotional hurt her statement may have caused.
It says her interpretation of admission requirements is incorrect and that entrance processes for medical students are much more complex and thorough than what was stated in her opinion.
