PHealth - Refugees Flashcards
South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention. State the UN definition of a refugee (2)
A refugee refers to a person who is fleeing the country of his/her nationality due to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality or membership of a particular social or political group.
Outline the United Nation’s definition of a refugee (2)
A refugee includes all asylum seekers fleeing persecution (1), including those who have not been afforded refugee status by another country (1)
In terms of the Bill of Rights in the South African constitution, list three expectations every patient can have of the State in terms of healthcare [3]
Access to health care including reproductive care, sufficient food and water and social security
The state to take reasonable legislative measures to ensure these rights
Not to be refused emergency treatment
Not to be treated in a disrespectful manner
Not to suffer discrimination
Not to be subjected to an environment that is harmful to health
Children can expect basic health services
Prisoners can expect medical care at no cost to them
Outline six (6) refugee’s rights in terms of access to health care in South Africa, as defined in the Patients’ Rights Charter (6) (Super NB)
Receiving timely emergency care at any health care facility that is open regardless of one’s ability to pay
Treatment and rehabilitation that must be made known to the patient to enable the patient to understand such treatment or rehabilitation and the consequences thereof
Provision for special needs in the case of newborn infants, children, pregnant women, the aged, disabled persons, patients in pain, person living with HIV or AIDS patients
Counselling without discrimination, coercion or violence on matters such as reproductive health, cancer or HIV/AIDS
Palliative care that is affordable and effective in cases of incurable or terminal illness
A positive disposition displayed by health care providers that demonstrate courtesy, human dignity, patience, empathy and tolerance
Health information that includes the availability of health services and how best to use such services and such information shall be in the language understood by the patient.
Name two instances where Mr. Mpaka’s rights were infringed with respect to the Patients’ Rights Charter [1]
Initially denied access to healthcare. Addressed in a language foreign to him without an interpreter. Told he must have an HIV test.
Outline five (5) obstacles a refugee might face, trying to access health care in South Africa (5) (Super NB)
Language barriers. He may not speak the language of the health care providers, so he may not be provided with the information she needs, or may not understand whatever information is supplied that is needed for prevention of illness.
Fear of arrest may lead to a delay in receiving timely treatment
Fear of discrimination/ rejection by health service staff
Lack of resources e.g. money to travel to the clinic may prevent him getting there
He may be suffering from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder which may interfere with his accessing help
He may be unaware of his right to access health care
Lack of local knowledge
