Refugee health care is the provision of health services to refugees and refugee claimants. As early as 2009, health researchers identified particular medical needs and health vulnerabilities amongst these populations.[1] Compared to other immigrants, they report more physical, emotional, and dental problems[2] and, compared to those born in Canada, they have higher rates of infections and chronic diseases that are both treatable and preventable.[3]
In Canada, the federal government has been responsible for the provision of health care to refugees since 1957. Under international law, this responsibility falls under Canada's human rights obligations to recognize the right to health for all, including refugees.
^McKeary, Marie; Newbold, Bruce (1 December 2010). "Barriers to Care: The Challenges for Canadian Refugees and their Health Care Providers". Journal of Refugee Studies. 23 (4): 523–545. doi:10.1093/jrs/feq038. S2CID7833199.