Press release: New report reveals the devastating impact of NHS charging on migrants in vulnerable circumstances

This report shows that in the UK, medical care charges are being applied to those least able to pay – people who are homeless and destitute, people who already struggle to afford to feed themselves,” she said. “At best, the NHS charging policy is problematic, unworkable in practice, and a poor use of NHS resources. At worst, it is reckless and a threat to patient and public health, and the UK’s commitments to achieve universal healthcare coverage.” Ms Miller said the Hospital Access Project audit adds compelling evidence to the urgent calls from the Hands Up for Our Health campaign – launched last week by DOTW, Lancet Migration and the Faculty for Public Health – for an immediate suspension of the NHS charging regulations. Over 50 organisations have joined the coalition calling for urgent investigation and reform, and improved access to all NHS services, during COVID-19 and beyond. “During a global pandemic, we really need every person and every family to feel safe to go forward to NHS services – including COVID-19 testing services – without the risk of financial or legal consequences,” she said. Based on the findings of the Hospital Access Project audit, DOTW makes the following recommendations to reform the healthcare entitlement policy to ensure the UK meets its commitments to achieve universal healthcare coverage and upholds its human rights obligations. These should be urgently adopted to address the issues identified in the report and to preven...
Source: Doctors of the World News - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Uncategorised Source Type: news