Call for action over asylum seekers’ ills

The British Medical Association has urged the government to provide
funding and implement policies to prevent the deterioration of the
health of asylum seekers. The BMA’s call follows the publication of
its Asylum Seekers: Meeting their Healthcare Needs report,
which finds asylum seekers’ health often worsens after entering the
UK.

The report says basic medical testing of asylum seekers does not
routinely take place, people suffering psychologically from being
tortured are not always referred to specialist centres, and
children are not appropriately immunised and vaccinated.

The report recommends an assessment of the physical and mental
health of all asylum seekers and the provision of necessary
treatment. Testing for TB, Hepatitis A, B, C and HIV, along with
appropriate counselling, should also be carried out. 

Asylum Seekers: Meeting their Healthcare Needs is
available from www.bma.org.uk

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