Medsin Members Defend Access to Primary Healthcare for Vulnerable Migrants
Written by Jennifer Riches, about 1 year ago | Permalink | Project: Global Health Advocacy Project
This weekend student's at Medsin’s Annual National Conference opposed restrictions on access to primary healthcare for vulnerable migrants.
There was widespread concern among delegates about the ongoing government review of access to NHS services, due to report in December. It is expected to propose removing access to primary care services from undocumented migrants, victims of trafficking and failed asylum seekers.
Hundreds of delegates signed a statement to the Department of Health, directly opposing these changes and demanding universal access to primary healthcare, free at the point of access in line with NHS founding principles. Furthermore, this contradicts the UK’s obligations to uphold health as a human right.
Tom Yates, a student at University College London said, "The government have suggested we deliberately run people's health down until they are forced from the country. That is barbaric. Doctors should make the care of the patient their first concern. They cannot be expected to act as immigration officers." Asked about the burden foreign nationals place on the NHS, Tom replied, "Are you having a laugh? The NHS benefits from thousands of doctors and nurses from overseas. The government have admitted health tourism occurs at very low levels. Remember, primary care is very cheap. Failing to manage disease in primary care will mean the NHS treats more preventable disease in A&E at much greater expense. The government should look at the evidence and reconsider."
See the Defend Primary Healthcare webpage for more information and see the GHAP for photos of the actions.
