A study on the ethical problems afflicting the health sector this work catalogues, through numerous cases, the misconduct of health professionals with regard to civilians, prisoners and military personnel; documents the misuse of scientific research, health professional and training institutions, and statutory councils for apartheid purposes; observes the failings of a profession trying to provide health care in the absence of a culture of human rights; and identifies ways in which human rights and ethical dilemmas recur in the current context of democratic transformation. The authors call for ongoing research into professional practices, training in ethics and professional conduct, and the transformation of statutory councils to build a culture of human rights within the health profession. Critical self-study is identified as a responsibility of every health worker, without exception.