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Asylum seekers: meeting their healthcare needs

British Medical Association Board of Science and Education
October 2002

The BMA has a sustained interest in the health of asylum seekers. There is concern that the healthcare needs of asylum seekers are not being met. Therefore it was decided to review the healthcare requirements of asylum seekers and examine the implications of the immigration process on health. This report is timely because in 2002 the government has been debating the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill.

This report is for those who make policy decisions which impact on the health of asylum seekers, and for health professionals who work with asylum seekers.

The detrimental impact of the asylum process on the health of asylum seekers is a recognised concern. Although access to free medical treatment is available to asylum seekers, many have difficulty in obtaining it. This report reviews current and proposed immigration procedures which include the healthcare of asylum seekers.

Further, it examines the specific health needs of asylum seekers and the services required to deal with them.

Asylum seekers: meeting their healthcare needs is available from the:
BMA Science and Medical Education Department
British Medical Association
Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9JP
tel: 020 7383 6164
email: info.science@bma.org.uk