Health care for refugees

GP Review - 15 May 2002

Dear Sir/Madam

Some points in the article (RACGP voices concerns on health care for refugees and asylum seekers, Vol 6 March 2002) require clarification.

The Department takes the health needs of detainees very seriously. Australian detention centres offer a full range of health and psychological services, provided by fully qualified doctors, nurses and other health professionals, to all detainees in immigration detention.

Detainees who require specialist treatment (psychiatric as well as medical) are referred or transferred to specialist institutions or public hospitals.

In fact the level and range of these services is similar to those available to the wider Australian community, and may even exceed those available in some regional areas of Australia.

Furthermore, the ratio of health staff to the detainee population compares favourably with community standards.

In addition, the confidentiality agreements signed by health care professionals working within Australian detention facilities do not prevent doctors, nurses or any other health professional reporting, as they are required to under appropriate legislation, concerns they may have about the condition of detainees.

Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs