This article presents a philosophical and practical look at the free clinic movement from a third world people's perspective. The free clinic is seen as a significant alternative to the lack of health care in the black communities. Serious questions are raised about setting up discrete clinics to meet the needs of the community in a haphazard way. The concept of health care delivery, the use of federal funds, and the need for the power structure to maintain its political machination base are indicated. It is suggested that as medical schools, the government, and agencies co‐opt free clinics, they will be less and less “free,” unless the struggle becomes a national and unifie