MEDICAL NEEDS

Asylum seekers and refugees have their health needs provided for by the Health Board in the area in which they reside and on the same basis as the indigenous population. Health services are provided free to those who have a medical card. Where a person does not have a medical card he/she will be asked to pay for certain services including drugs and medicines.

A medical card issued by the local Health Board enables you to receive free General Practitioners services; prescribed drugs and medicines (with some exceptions); in-patient public hospital services; outpatient services; dental, optical and aural services; medical appliances; maternity and infant care services and grants; child care and psychological services for those traumatised by torture, rape or other critical life experiences.

Many services provided by the Health Board have waiting lists.  Priority is given based on medical need.

If you are pregnant you should advise your General Practitioner and the local Public Health Nurse (PHN).

If you have small children you should inform the Public Health Nurse (PHN) at your local health centre.  The nurse will give you help and advice during the early years of your child's development.

MEDICAL CARD

An application form for a Medical Card should be available at the local Health Centre for your area.  The Community Welfare Officer (CWO) or the local Citizens Information Centre will also be able to provide information as to where you can get this form. Under the Medical Card Scheme, you may have a choice of General Practitioner (G.P.) or may be allocated one depending on local circumstances. The local CWO can advise on the arrangements for a General Practitioner. 

It should be noted that entitlement to a Medical Card is not automatic.  It is means based  i.e. your assets and income (from all sources) is taken into account.  If you are not entitled to a Medical Card you can continue to access general hospital services,  many of which are free of charge. You will be asked  to pay a “hospital charge”  at the time of your first consultation in each case. You will have to pay for other services such as GP, dental and optical services, etc.

MEDICAL SCREENING

A free medical screening service is available to all asylum seekers. This service is completely confidential and independent of your application for a declaration as a refugee.

The service includes screening for certain infectious diseases such as TB, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV and checking the vaccination needs of yourself and your family. The outcome of any medical tests you undergo will not affect your application for a declaration as a refugee in any way.

You are advised to avail of medical screening as it will identify and treat those who are ill and it will provide protection against infectious diseases through immunisation. Any necessary follow-up medical treatment will be provided for you and your family free of charge under the medical card scheme.

It is in your interest to avail of this service and you can be assured that it will be provided to you and your family in complete confidence.

Details of how you can access this service are available at all reception centres and accommodation centres throughout the country.  

Back to Top