AMA calls on Immigration Minister to send independent medical team to Nauru

A formal request from the Nauru Government for assistance was received by the AMA overnight.

Dr Glasson said it is the responsibility of the Australian Government to provide appropriate health care and facilities for people in its care, and that a team of independent medical professionals would be the most appropriate people to assess the level of health care and develop a strategy for the ongoing care of the asylum seekers.

Dr Glasson said the Government should arrange transport and access for the Australian doctors.

The AMA and The Professional Alliance for the Health of Asylum Seekers and their Children would assist in the selection of doctors and have already prepared Terms of Reference for the visit by the medical team.

"There is no shortage of doctors wanting to help the asylum seekers, the Nauru Government and the Australian Government to end this crisis," Dr Glasson said.

"With news that Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is planning to send senior officials to Nauru to monitor the situation, it is appropriate that the medical team be part of that delegation.

"It is the Australian way to help these people in need.  They are in the care of the Australian Government and their health should be looked after in the same way we would expect Australian citizens to be looked after in the care of other countries.

"I urge Senator Vanstone and the Government to accept the voluntary help of the medical profession to end this crisis and to provide appropriate health care to the asylum seekers," Dr Glasson said.

CONTACT:         John Flannery            (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
                       Judith Tokley             (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306

Attachments:      Letter to Senator Vanstone
                         Letter from Nauru Director of Medical Services, Dr Kieren Keke, MP
                         Terms of Reference for Visit to Nauru by Australian Medical Team