The Role of the Healthcare Professional
Many healthcare professionals feel it is improper that the denial of services is being used as a means of enforcing immigration policies. There is also concern that healthcare professionals lack the detailed knowledge of immigration law necessary to accurately determine eligibility. The Refugee Council’s report, First do no harm documents mistakes already being made due to a policy of charging. Health workers are worried that, if they assess eligibility for care, they are violating of professional codes of conduct, such as the doctor’s duty to make the care of the patient their prime concern. There is also concern this will damage the relationship they have with their patients.
Health professionals have a duty to provide care for their patients without discrimination. The GMC requires doctors to protect and promote the health of patients and the public as a duty ranked second only to making the care of patients their first concern (General Medical Council, 2006). Neglecting people‘s human rights is bad for their health (Department of Health. Human Rights in Healthcare, 2007).
The current proposals will require that clinicians take into account a patient’s ability to pay when deciding on what treatment to offer.
A doctor’s obligation is the put the well-being of the patient first. Offering a two-tiered system of treatment is likely to conflict with this obligation. Inferior treatment can lead to reduced chances of recovery for patients with certain conditions.
For Further Information:
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Enforcing the Rules: A strategy to ensure and enforce compliance with our immigration laws. Home Office, 2007.
- Declaration of Ottawa on Child Health, World Medical Association, 2009
- WMA Statement on Inequalities in Health, World Medical Association 2009
- World Medical Association International Code of Medical Ethics, World Medical Association 2006
