Doctors volunteer to assist asylum seeker health centre
AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, today opened the first health centre in Australia to cater for the special medical and health needs of asylum seekers living in the community.
The Bula Bula Health Project, an initiative of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Melbourne, provides free health services and much needed medical care to asylum seekers living in the community who do not have a Medicare card or the ability to pay for basic medical services.
Dr Phelps said the health and medical services would be provided free by doctors, nurses and other health professionals.
"They want to make a personal contribution to assist people seeking to start a new life," Dr Phelps said.
"Bula Bula is supported by a broader network of GPs and other specialists in the Melbourne community who are also providing their services on a voluntary basis.
"There is no doubt that the events and experiences that have brought these asylum seekers to our shores have led to depression, helplessness, hopelessness, and ill-health.
"They are strangers in a strange land unfamiliar with the language, customs, the laws, the system.
"As a compassionate community, the very least we can do is help them look after their health while they await processing of their applications.
"Those who satisfy Government requirements should be allowed to stay. Those that don't should return to their countries of origin if it is safe for them to do so.
"While they are here, we should ensure they stay healthy.
"Bula Bula is an example of the great Australian volunteer tradition and shows that Australians are always prepared to lend a hand to people in need.
"The voluntary work and humanity on display at Bula Bula may help turn around some of the negative attitudes to asylum seekers in the community and prompt a return of the Australian 'fair go' attitude," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076