Almamata Advocacy getting under way: asylum seekers' right to health care...

June 10, 2010 by tim.rittman

This is the first opportunity for you to get involved with advocacy in global health issues. Read on and get involved!

Right to Free Health Care on the NHS for all failed asylum seekers

Asylum seekers who have been refused refugee status have been refused free NHS treatment since 2004. Under a new proposal from the Government, free care would be extended to those receiving UKBA (UK Border Agency) support. However, those without UKBA support would still be left without free health care.

There are a number of good reasons to provide NHS care for failed asylum seekers:

• the principle of justice dictates that we value all people as equally deserving of health care, regardless of their status or background

• failed asylum seekers are not allowed to work, therefore have no income to pay for health care costs

• by not providing health services early, there is a risk of serious health consequences requiring emergency care and worse health problems in the long run

There is a short film and much more information on: http://respondtonhscharging.wordpress.com

PLEASE ACT QUICKLY, as the consultation closes on 30^th June 2010.

What can you do?

Choose option 1 for a quick response, option 2 to do that little bit more, option 3 if this issue really grabs you and you want to get more involved.

Option 1

Go to the Refugee Council website and fill in their quick 3 minute survey: https://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/refugeecouncil/healthcare

Option 2

Write a response to the Government's proposals using the documents and form at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_113233 and information from Medact and Medsin provided at http://respondtonhscharging.wordpress.com

Option 3

Volunteer with the Refugee Council. More information available at http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/volunteering

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