The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) reiterate their concern for the mental health of those seeking refuge in Australia following successful negotiations on reinstating temporary access visas for refugee and asylum seekers.
The peak health bodies have today advised GPs and Psychiatrists to exercise vigilance when treating refugee patients.
RACGP President Dr Liz Marles said the move is a timely reminder for GPs and Psychiatrists to familiarise themselves with the unique physical and mental conditions that typically present in these vulnerable populations.
“The RACGP has long advocated for a more humane ways of processing asylum seekers and remains extremely concerned by the prolonged detention of those in off-shore facilities, particularly children,” said Dr Marles.
“More often than not, refugees and asylum seekers have experienced significantly traumatic events prior to arrival in Australia.
“These traumatic experiences have a high probability of developing into mental health issues that are further exacerbated by a prolonged period in detention.
“As the gatekeepers to the Australian healthcare system, it is vital GPs be on the lookout for tell-tale signs of psychological trauma in patients on temporary protection visas.”
The RACGP and RANZCP have long held the view that detention, particularly prolonged detention, results in negative health outcomes for patients.
RANZCP President, Dr Murray Patton said it is known the majority of those in detention have unique mental and physical healthcare needs as a consequence of the circumstances they have fled.
“Seeking asylum is a fundamental human right and many people set to arrive under temporary protection visas have long been denied that right,” said Dr Patton.
“Compounding the issue, it is likely they have not had access to appropriate mental and physical healthcare, meaning their needs may be particularly complex and acute.
“Many of these people have been isolated from society for extensive periods and could well experience a degree of shock upon arrival.”
The RACGP and RANZCP believe it is essential that the Australian Government ensures appropriate mechanisms are in place to support those released from detention under temporary protection visas.
“It is absolutely vital the Government upholds its ethical obligations and ensures the needs of those arriving in Australia are met and that every individual is treated with dignity and respect,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP and RANZCP remains committed to advocating on behalf of every patient to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.